CHRISTMAS ETIQUETTE, ADVICE PLS

[stilletoe]

For all of you that are experienced with christmas do's and don't I need some advice on a 3 specific issues;

1. We have been invited for christmas lunch with someone we know who is a bit well to do and I will be taking a present on the day, but should I send the christmas card or take it with me??

2.There are going to be people we know there, so I plan on taking small gifts for them too, but there will be a couple there who I have never met before, do I get a gift for them?

1. If so, what sort of thing should I get, edibles or objects, really don't know. I think they are both in their 70's and again, are well to do (not that this should matter, but I probably should steer clear of the £1 shop!)?

Any constructive advice would be very welcomed. Thank you.

1. I don't bother with christmas cards for people who I can personally say merry christmas to, so I wouldn't bother

2. I would, yes otherwise it'll be weird giving to everyone else but not them

3. edibles. i wouldn't get objects as you don't know them. can you save a bit of money (if you need to) by making some truffles/jam/biscuits or something and just package them nicely? then it also wont look like you've gone to the shop and got them something but that you're giving them a token gift

Agree with pigindisguise on point 2 and 3 but I would send them a card well before the day. Do you think they would send you one?

I would send them the card beforehand.

Do you think they will have presents for you - could be v embarrasing for them otherwise.

Agree nice jams or chutney etc would be nice. We had a massive christmas party once (never again) and someone brought me a homemade jar of chutney and I was delighted.

that's why I think that if you give them homemade jam or something it will be much less embarrassing for them if they haven't got you anything

If you're cooking and taking part of the lunch with you e/g/ starter or pud, should you still take a present or is taking another homemade yummy ok? Would you get something for their DCs or would that make them feel awkward as they almost certainly wouldn't buy for ours and wouldn't expect them to!

Interesting view points.I think I've got the card issue sorted now, but the present giving is still bothering me. I like the idea of home made stuff, I think it is really nice and thoughtful, but RememberToPlaywiththeKids has made me think again about the whole present giving idea. What would happen if I gave them a small gift and they did not reciprocate this, I would hate to make people feel embarassed etc on christmas day.

can you not give some home made stuff to the others too as well as their normal present, so as to say - I made a massive batch of e.g. jam, so I'm giving stuff to everyone