Invited to a christening...

[krazykoolkazza]

We've been invited to a christening and I can't say I've been to one for about 20 years! I was wondering if anyone has attended a christening recently, or had their child christened, and what the etiquette is regarding dress and what constitues an acceptable present.
We are not close family of the child (just friends and not ones who even see the family regularly) and the child is a 10 month old girl. Oh, and the christening is in a church with and informal gathering at the family's home afterwards.
Any advice appreciated.

Dress smartly and I would say for a gift something she can keep. My MIL always bought my children outfits for their christening which I thought was quite a biazzare christening present especially for a grandchild! What about a money box or frame, necklace/bracelet for when she is older, nice book

IMO it totally depends if it is a christening for the sake of a do or if they are religious?

went to one recently and it was plainly obvious that the child will never step foot inside a church again!

Dress as you would for a smartish lunch party ie not jeans but not full-on wedding formal either. Nice trousers or skirt and top, or dress.
A book, not necc religious, is always a good gift - we give nicely-bound editions of classics like the Just So Stories, Alice, Pooh, Wind In The Willows, 1001 Arabian Nights etc. Write something nice in the front.

i was talking about gifts, rather than dress code.
We had a giggle at said christening about what they would do with the white leather bound bible!

actually ll, i would have worn a pvc skirt and knee high boots with a satin basque given half the chance but dh refused to let me out of the house without covering my knees with a sensible summer suit! lol