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Original poster

To be miffed at "Gift list for mother of the baby" enclosed in *Baby naming ceremony* invitation?

992 replies

doubleshotespresso · 12/06/2013 23:38

So some close friends (who married in church), but now claim to be atheist are holding a naming ceremony for their 8 month old first baby in an hotel.....

The invitation is beautiful with a map, timings "event closes at 11pm"?

The gift list ranges from £30-to £300, all items for the mother, cosmetics, trinkets, jewellery, pampering breaks, personalised hand-bound stationery and photo albums...

Anybody know the drill for these naming ceremonies? Are we supposed to guess a gift for the baby? Or just congratulate the mother for deciding on a name?

I have read this a dozen times and am staggered beyond belief-DP read it and fell into hysterics....

My gut tells me to go along with Jo Malone scented nappies or something.

Somebody please tell me this is not normal?!?!?!

OP posts:
ChippingInWiredOnCoffee · 17/06/2013 23:01

Oh and I hope someone tells your friends sister that she had better behave & be nice to your friend when she is here and if she doesn't think she can do that she shouldn't bother to come!

Mumsyblouse · 17/06/2013 23:01

I am in awe of your organizational skills, as well as the fact you are such a good friend. You are clearly in the right job!

Original poster
doubleshotespresso · 17/06/2013 23:00

invienna he is born to work with the Kardashians..... And I think so is friends' sister.... But we will gloss over that one for now.

Important thing is that the day is now within an acceptable budget and also actually a day they will enjoy and remember for the right reasons.....

The email and phone responses have been flooding back in today, all guests have been beautifully understanding and quite sweet. Think friend is now looking forward to the day.....

Her DH has a few choice words for her sister and has instructed her via email to stay at an hotel for her visit. Uhoh. Sad

OP posts:
ChippingInWiredOnCoffee · 17/06/2013 23:00

Double - I am seriously in awe of how you have turned this around.

If they are paying you HUGE amounts of money where you work, then great - if they aren't, then you need to get yourself head hunted.

How much was this twat's fee and how much was the 'event' going to cost?

MumnGran · 17/06/2013 22:59

Sounds like a much nicer, and altogether more appropriate event double , and you have done a phenomenal job in pulling it together, from the disaster on the table.

Dying to see the planners website!!

BlackeyedSusan · 17/06/2013 22:58

Wine medicinal of course... Wink

more well dones.

IWipeArses · 17/06/2013 22:57

Well done you!

Scaredycat3000 · 17/06/2013 22:55

Excellent, sounds fab. What a great friend you are. Tell us the website

AndHarry · 17/06/2013 22:55

A wishing well?! Oh. My. Gosh.

ChippingInWiredOnCoffee · 17/06/2013 22:54

I also meant to say that I am really sorry to hear about your baby (babies). If you are still TTC I hope you conceive again soon and it all goes well for you both x

Original poster
doubleshotespresso · 17/06/2013 22:53

Yes friend is seriously wobbly, though you could visibly see the relief in her today. Her DH is due back tomorrow so I think we will be all feeling a lot more grounded then.

As for her sister, I have only met her three times, but I think they will be bareky speaking by the time this event occurs.

OP posts:
MustafaCake · 17/06/2013 22:53

OMG just read this thread from start to finish!

Double you are a true friend, not just for getting to the bottom of the gift list shenanigans but for supporting your friend when she needs it.

I am Shock that the sister is on commission!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you all have a lovely day at the re-engineered baby shower!

InViennaWeWerePoetry · 17/06/2013 22:52

Looking at that list of cancellations makes me wonder if Elton John is hoping to be spotted and headhunted for the new Kardashian baby Grin

Original poster
doubleshotespresso · 17/06/2013 22:50

Chippinginwiredon coffee i work as a Project Manager.....

OP posts:
MsPickle · 17/06/2013 22:50

Doubleshot and her double barrels! Keep updating this please, it's compulsive reading!

And for your friend-well done on accepting the help to fix the mess. I'll bet she'll still be feeling wobbly about having got into the situation but she should know that her taste in friends is fabulous! As for her sister being due a referral fee...mind suitably boggled!

Original poster
doubleshotespresso · 17/06/2013 22:49

So now the real event is becoming a reality.

Email confirmation today from the hotel.

Ceremony at 2pm
Champagne /elderflower water reception to follow with hot fork buffet and kids afternoon tea.
"Village fete" style marquee for children with face painting, giant jenga, connect 4, twister and chess set which looks impressive. (Quite Alice in wonderland)Storyteller for little ones in "quiet area". Colouring table too.
Ice cream fun station for kids.
Cake provided by hotel (sample looks lovely and comes in £125 cheaper than the one "selected" by Elton John.) tea, coffee available throughout.
3 piece jazz band used by hotel will play for 3 hours.
Bar will be paid for throughout.
All to finish by 8pm the latest.

ALL CONFIRMED!

We have dispensed with the following:
Sweet factory £250?
Cupcake decorating class for 5-10 year olds (£19.95 per head?)
Photographer
Soft play equipment and "hosts"
Live "performance band"
Photo booth
"Adult" goodie bags (poncey toiletries and organic chocolate truffles)
Florist befitting a celebrity wedding £1800!!!!
Gift table and money wishing well..... Ahem.

ALL CANCELLED!

Apologies for the late updates, just been so consumed by all this today. Friend looks like a new woman. I do not! More coffee.

OP posts:
ChippingInWiredOnCoffee · 17/06/2013 22:49

What job do you do Double?

I am sitting open mouthed at your handling of this situation and I want to marry you go into business with you.

Your DH sounds lovely too.

JollyShortGiant · 17/06/2013 22:46

Doubleshot, you are a lovely person. I'm so pleased this is all getting sorted out. I'm a bit late to this but have just read the whole thread. Well done today :)

pigletmania · 17/06/2013 22:44

Wow just wow. Well doe you, I hope your assertiveness rubs off on your friend, she is lucky to have you as a friend.

AndHarry · 17/06/2013 22:43

Post the website! After he's processed the refund though.

InViennaWeWerePoetry · 17/06/2013 22:42

You sound like a fab friend OP, so glad you broached the subject with her. The planner sounds like a nightmare! Hope the other guests are just as understanding as to what's gone on.

Primrose123 · 17/06/2013 22:42

Well done Doubleshot, you sound like an amazing friend!

I would so like to see the website!

Pimpf · 17/06/2013 22:41

So pleased you said something, well done you.

Hope your friend is feeling stronger

SauceForTheGander · 17/06/2013 22:37

This just gets better!

Well done! No one cancels me? What a nob.

BanjoPlayingTiger · 17/06/2013 22:36

Wow! I've been lurking and reading, but had to post to say that I think you're amazing! I wish I had a friend like you! I bet your mate is so pleased you went round for lunch the other day.

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