@mrscaterosales I know I've already weighed in with my opinion and think it's a great idea, so I say go for it!
That said, I've read through the posts from today and wanted to offer a compromise for people who want to split the difference. I recently attended a shower where after the traditional games and eating were completed the MTB sat in a big comfy chair and then guests individually went and retrieved their gifts and stood with her while she opened it. It allowed each guest special one on one time with her and also didn't force the rest of us to quietly sit and watch for hours while the present opening happened. The MTB's mom also took a picture with each guest and her daughter. It guaranteed that she also was able to speak to each of her guests, too.
Just wanted to throw out another idea for folks who dread opening gifts in a big group like I do. Good luck everyone!
My word who'd have know holding a baby shower with unwrapped gifts would get such OTT responses, wow. Triple wrapping )
Cate, just enjoy it luv and do as you feel. :-)
Yes, who cares about the folks that are spending their time and hard earned money on gifts for you. Why should you care about the feelings of those who are being so generous? Just do you, boo!!!
My word who'd have know holding a baby shower with unwrapped gifts would get such OTT responses, wow. Triple wrapping )
Cate, just enjoy it luv and do as you feel. :-)
Yes, who cares about the folks that are spending their time and hard earned money on gifts for you. Why should you care about the feelings of those who are being so generous? Just do you, boo!!!
@CEB37 The entire point of this post was to make sure all of our guests know they are cared for and their gifts are appreciated, that's why I wanted opinions on the topic. If you read any of my responses, you would see that's important to me and you would also see that many of the guests already love the idea! Wrapped or unwrapped gifts is such a minor thing in the bigger picture, and ultimately the host of the party makes the final decision, I'm not being inconsiderate by just going along with what she has planned. Sorry if the fact that I like the way she's displaying the gifts is so offensive to you.
My word who'd have know holding a baby shower with unwrapped gifts would get such OTT responses, wow. Triple wrapping )
Cate, just enjoy it luv and do as you feel. :-)
Yes, who cares about the folks that are spending their time and hard earned money on gifts for you. Why should you care about the feelings of those who are being so generous? Just do you, boo!!!
@CEB37 The entire point of this post was to make sure all of our guests know they are cared for and their gifts are appreciated, that's why I wanted opinions on the topic. If you read any of my responses, you would see that's important to me and you would also see that many of the guests already love the idea! Wrapped or unwrapped gifts is such a minor thing in the bigger picture, and ultimately the host of the party makes the final decision, I'm not being inconsiderate by just going along with what she has planned. Sorry if the fact that I like the way she's displaying the gifts is so offensive to you.
It's not offensive to me, as I am not a guest at your shower and the people I socialize with wouldn't have the nerve to make such demands on those being so generous with their time and money, so there's that.
That said, chances are if one or more of your guests is offended they will likely be too polite to point out the rudeness of such a request or say anything to you/your hostesses' about it.
@ceb37 No one has demanded anything. If people don't want to spend their time or money on me, that is totally fine. It's an invitation and a suggestion, no one has to do anything they don't want to do. That's the last thing I'll say about it, I'm quite content with the way the party is coming together and my family and friends will be shown appreciation for anything they choose to bring for my baby.
I picture all the extremely opinionated baby shower etiquette people as debutantes in poofy Southern ball gowns that whisper behind their lace fans about how uncivilized the rest of us are for steering away from tradition lol. All the talk of etiquette and social circles and whatnot, but then turning around and being completely rude and pushy is so Gone with the Wind.
I love the differing opinions on this board, but there are a handful of people that take it to that next level of dramatic. Guess that's where the popcorn comes in.
"It's not offensive to me, as I am not a guest at your shower..."
No, but you are a guest here visiting from another board (although I think you and I have already had this conversation a few weeks back), so why don't you show us this etiquette you seem to use as a weapon and act like a guest. You stated that you disagreed. Awesome. Thanks for your input and congrats on your November baby!
Did not RTMFPBMFP, but a Display Shower sounds silly and a cutesy rhyme makes it ridiculous. Side-eye.
Uh-oh @excited2bmommy09 we're getting the side-eye. Shall we tell our lovely generous friends that are throwing us a baby shower that they need to do it differently because some stranger on the internet doesn't approve? )
@ceb37 No one has demanded anything. If people don't want to spend their time or money on me, that is totally fine. It's an invitation and a suggestion, no one has to do anything they don't want to do. That's the last thing I'll say about it, I'm quite content with the way the party is coming together and my family and friends will be shown appreciation for anything they choose to bring for my baby.
So, let me start by saying overall I feel that you have been pretty respectful and I truly believe that you will fully appreciate your guests generosity.
But you also said I was being dramatic when I said I would decline to attend a display shower. This goes both ways.
Did not RTMFPBMFP, but a Display Shower sounds silly and a cutesy rhyme makes it ridiculous. Side-eye.
Uh-oh @excited2bmommy09 we're getting the side-eye. Shall we tell our lovely generous friends that are throwing us a baby shower that they need to do it differently because some stranger on the internet doesn't approve? )
So by "Thoughts?" you meant "pet my hair and tell my what a fabulous idea this is"? Ok, got it.
@ceb37 No one has demanded anything. If people don't want to spend their time or money on me, that is totally fine. It's an invitation and a suggestion, no one has to do anything they don't want to do. That's the last thing I'll say about it, I'm quite content with the way the party is coming together and my family and friends will be shown appreciation for anything they choose to bring for my baby.
So, let me start by saying overall I feel that you have been pretty respectful and I truly believe that you will fully appreciate your guests generosity.
But you also said I was being dramatic when I said I would decline to attend a display shower. This goes both ways.
I don't mean to disrespect you or your opinion, I just thought it was a bit dramatic to say that you wouldn't attend just because of the way the gifts are displayed. I hate unwrapping gifts and sitting through the unwrapping portion, but I don't decline to attend a good friend's shower just because they are doing something in a way that I don't personally like or enjoy. I go to the party and endure the unwrapping with a smile (if I care at all about this person). I feel like it should go both ways since I do this for the people I love, and it seems like quite a dramatic statement to avoid the party for such a petty thing. BUT, that is just me, if you chose to decline, that would be 100% your choice and I wouldn't question it.
Did not RTMFPBMFP, but a Display Shower sounds silly and a cutesy rhyme makes it ridiculous. Side-eye.
Uh-oh @excited2bmommy09 we're getting the side-eye. Shall we tell our lovely generous friends that are throwing us a baby shower that they need to do it differently because some stranger on the internet doesn't approve? )
So by "Thoughts?" you meant "pet my hair and tell my what a fabulous idea this is"? Ok, got it.
Not at all. At first I wanted opinions, which I got on both sides of the spectrum. I explained my position as graciously as possible and tried to be respectful of everyone...but then I concluded with my hostesses that this is the way we should display gifts, and I'm happy with that. So at this point, a stranger's side eye on the internet means nothing to me, especially someone who shows up on S15 (who has never been around here before) just to make a rude comment on a topic that has already been covered time and again. No need to pet my hair or tell me anything, feel free to just move along and say nothing at all.
Did not RTMFPBMFP, but a Display Shower sounds silly and a cutesy rhyme makes it ridiculous. Side-eye.
Uh-oh @excited2bmommy09 we're getting the side-eye. Shall we tell our lovely generous friends that are throwing us a baby shower that they need to do it differently because some stranger on the internet doesn't approve? )
So by "Thoughts?" you meant "pet my hair and tell my what a fabulous idea this is"? Ok, got it.
Oh come on! Not even trying to fight but there's a difference between sharing different opinions and thoughts and someone threatening to triple duct tape the presents! Lol!
Right! @mrscatrosales. I think you've handled the different opinions well and I also think the majority of the ladies who disagreed and shared their opinion as to why did so kindly and politely as well. The few people who not only disagree but have insisted on being repetitive and dramatic...well I just don't know what to think about you lol. I think the idea rocks, my guests like the idea, sounds like yours like the idea so...every tradition has a beginning right!
Did not RTMFPBMFP, but a Display Shower sounds silly and a cutesy rhyme makes it ridiculous. Side-eye.
Uh-oh @excited2bmommy09 we're getting the side-eye. Shall we tell our lovely generous friends that are throwing us a baby shower that they need to do it differently because some stranger on the internet doesn't approve? )
So by "Thoughts?" you meant "pet my hair and tell my what a fabulous idea this is"? Ok, got it.
Oh come on! Not even trying to fight but there's a difference between sharing different opinions and thoughts and someone threatening to triple duct tape the presents! Lol!
Edited for spelling. Tape doesn't quack. : )
What are you talking about? I said I didn't read the whole post. I read "thoughts?" and gave mine.
Hi, lurker from N15 here. I like to look at other BMBs to see what I have to look forward to in the coming months. Granted I'm not having a shower for personal reasons, but I don't see the appeal of asking your guests to do anything besides show up. A shower is already a party being thrown in your honor, why put any sort of specific request on your loved ones?
@mrscaterosales A stranger on the Internet's opinion really doesn't mean anything other than its possible that some of your guests may feel the same way. People here are just pointing it out to save some embarrassment in real life.
There seems to be this odd sentiment that the mother-to-be has to be SO GRATEFUL that she is getting a shower that she basically has to stfu and make sure the guests are happy. I call bs. Having planned two showers for girlfriends, I kept the focus on the mother (because I felt it was HER day) and if she wanted a display shower, hell or high water, she was getting a display shower. I was confident that any guests that threatened "side eye" (oh no) would surely get over it. Do you and it'll be fabulous.
That's pretty much the basic definition of "etiquette" -- it's a code of polite behavior to ensure the comfort of the people you are hosting. The prevailing opinion of etiquette experts (and I don't refer to the "etiquette police" of the Bump boards) is that if something will make even one guest uncomfortable, then you don't do it.
DS1: BFP 04/03/11 | EDD 12/02/11 | born 11/21/11 DS2: BFP 02/09/13 | EDD 10/26/13 | said goodbye 06/02/13
Did not RTMFPBMFP, but a Display Shower sounds silly and a cutesy rhyme makes it ridiculous. Side-eye.
Uh-oh @excited2bmommy09 we're getting the side-eye. Shall we tell our lovely generous friends that are throwing us a baby shower that they need to do it differently because some stranger on the internet doesn't approve? )
So by "Thoughts?" you meant "pet my hair and tell my what a fabulous idea this is"? Ok, got it.
Not at all. At first I wanted opinions, which I got on both sides of the spectrum. I explained my position as graciously as possible and tried to be respectful of everyone...but then I concluded with my hostesses that this is the way we should display gifts, and I'm happy with that. So at this point, a stranger's side eye on the internet means nothing to me, especially someone who shows up on S15 (who has never been around here before) just to make a rude comment on a topic that has already been covered time and again. No need to pet my hair or tell me anything, feel free to just move along and say nothing at all.
I read your OP, shared my thoughts as you asked and your response was to belittle me. You sound quite defensive for someone who DGAF.
Did not RTMFPBMFP, but a Display Shower sounds silly and a cutesy rhyme makes it ridiculous. Side-eye.
Uh-oh @excited2bmommy09 we're getting the side-eye. Shall we tell our lovely generous friends that are throwing us a baby shower that they need to do it differently because some stranger on the internet doesn't approve? )
So by "Thoughts?" you meant "pet my hair and tell my what a fabulous idea this is"? Ok, got it.
Oh come on! Not even trying to fight but there's a difference between sharing different opinions and thoughts and someone threatening to triple duct tape the presents! Lol!
Edited for spelling. Tape doesn't quack. : )
What are you talking about? I said I didn't read the whole post.
No you didn't. I quoted you and responded accurately. But it doesn't matter, just thought it was funny. Offering opinions: The fine line between hair petting and duct taping baby presents! Again, not fighting just think it's funny.
I've attended a shower like this and I just want to say make sure to have gift tags available because when I went a little pair of shoes I had to go with my gift somehow fell off my present and got lost in the shuffle of gifts so the mom-to-be didn't know they were from me until I mentioned them after the baby was born. I had the rest of my gifts tied together with ribbon but I could see how some of the little things people add to their gifts could get mixed up!
There seems to be this odd sentiment that the mother-to-be has to be SO GRATEFUL that she is getting a shower that she basically has to stfu and make sure the guests are happy. I call bs. Having planned two showers for girlfriends, I kept the focus on the mother (because I felt it was HER day) and if she wanted a display shower, hell or high water, she was getting a display shower. I was confident that any guests that threatened "side eye" (oh no) would surely get over it. Do you and it'll be fabulous.
That's pretty much the basic definition of "etiquette" -- it's a code of polite behavior to ensure the comfort of the people you are hosting. The prevailing opinion of etiquette experts (and I don't refer to the "etiquette police" of the Bump boards) is that if something will make even one guest uncomfortable, then you don't do it.
In theory I see what you're saying but trying to please everyone seems like a tall order, especially if all communication is apparently handled via "side-eyes." I guess I don't recall having to check in with every guest to see if they liked how the shower planning was going.
Did not RTMFPBMFP, but a Display Shower sounds silly and a cutesy rhyme makes it ridiculous. Side-eye.
Uh-oh @excited2bmommy09 we're getting the side-eye. Shall we tell our lovely generous friends that are throwing us a baby shower that they need to do it differently because some stranger on the internet doesn't approve? )
So by "Thoughts?" you meant "pet my hair and tell my what a fabulous idea this is"? Ok, got it.
Oh come on! Not even trying to fight but there's a difference between sharing different opinions and thoughts and someone threatening to triple duct tape the presents! Lol!
Edited for spelling. Tape doesn't quack. : )
What are you talking about? I said I didn't read the whole post.
No you didn't. I quoted you and responded accurately. But it doesn't matter, just thought it was funny. Offering opinions: The fine line between hair petting and duct taping baby presents! Again, not fighting just think it's funny.
"did not rtmfpbmfp" = did not read the mf post before mf posting.
Did not RTMFPBMFP, but a Display Shower sounds silly and a cutesy rhyme makes it ridiculous. Side-eye.
Uh-oh @excited2bmommy09 we're getting the side-eye. Shall we tell our lovely generous friends that are throwing us a baby shower that they need to do it differently because some stranger on the internet doesn't approve? )
So by "Thoughts?" you meant "pet my hair and tell my what a fabulous idea this is"? Ok, got it.
Oh come on! Not even trying to fight but there's a difference between sharing different opinions and thoughts and someone threatening to triple duct tape the presents! Lol!
Edited for spelling. Tape doesn't quack. : )
What are you talking about? I said I didn't read the whole post.
No you didn't. I quoted you and responded accurately. But it doesn't matter, just thought it was funny. Offering opinions: The fine line between hair petting and duct taping baby presents! Again, not fighting just think it's funny.
"did not rtmfpbmfp" = did not read the mf post before mf posting.
So yes, I did say I didn't read the whole post.
Come on, now you're just trying to get giggles out of me. Stop it already, it's making me have to pee!
Did not RTMFPBMFP, but a Display Shower sounds silly and a cutesy rhyme makes it ridiculous. Side-eye.
Uh-oh @excited2bmommy09 we're getting the side-eye. Shall we tell our lovely generous friends that are throwing us a baby shower that they need to do it differently because some stranger on the internet doesn't approve? )
So by "Thoughts?" you meant "pet my hair and tell my what a fabulous idea this is"? Ok, got it.
Not at all. At first I wanted opinions, which I got on both sides of the spectrum. I explained my position as graciously as possible and tried to be respectful of everyone...but then I concluded with my hostesses that this is the way we should display gifts, and I'm happy with that. So at this point, a stranger's side eye on the internet means nothing to me, especially someone who shows up on S15 (who has never been around here before) just to make a rude comment on a topic that has already been covered time and again. No need to pet my hair or tell me anything, feel free to just move along and say nothing at all.
I read your OP, shared my thoughts as you asked and your response was to belittle me. You sound quite defensive for someone who DGAF.
Not defensive at all and don't feel that I have belittled anyone. I didn't know what all those letters meant in your post so I didn't know you hadn't caught up on all the opinions and explanations we shared. I'm just happy with the way my hostess is planning the shower and don't need anyone to make me feel better (or worse) about it at this point. I wanted opinions before our final decision was made and then I posted an update with what my host and I decided on, so there was no reason to side eye things any further. I'm sorry I started the board at all and now I just wish this board could be closed and forgotten about.
Did not RTMFPBMFP, but a Display Shower sounds silly and a cutesy rhyme makes it ridiculous. Side-eye.
Uh-oh @excited2bmommy09 we're getting the side-eye. Shall we tell our lovely generous friends that are throwing us a baby shower that they need to do it differently because some stranger on the internet doesn't approve? )
So by "Thoughts?" you meant "pet my hair and tell my what a fabulous idea this is"? Ok, got it.
Oh come on! Not even trying to fight but there's a difference between sharing different opinions and thoughts and someone threatening to triple duct tape the presents! Lol!
Edited for spelling. Tape doesn't quack. : )
What are you talking about? I said I didn't read the whole post.
No you didn't. I quoted you and responded accurately. But it doesn't matter, just thought it was funny. Offering opinions: The fine line between hair petting and duct taping baby presents! Again, not fighting just think it's funny.
"did not rtmfpbmfp" = did not read the mf post before mf posting.
So yes, I did say I didn't read the whole post.
Come on, now you're just trying to get giggles out of me. Stop it already, it's making me have to pee!
Did not RTMFPBMFP, but a Display Shower sounds silly and a cutesy rhyme makes it ridiculous. Side-eye.
Uh-oh @excited2bmommy09 we're getting the side-eye. Shall we tell our lovely generous friends that are throwing us a baby shower that they need to do it differently because some stranger on the internet doesn't approve? )
So by "Thoughts?" you meant "pet my hair and tell my what a fabulous idea this is"? Ok, got it.
Not at all. At first I wanted opinions, which I got on both sides of the spectrum. I explained my position as graciously as possible and tried to be respectful of everyone...but then I concluded with my hostesses that this is the way we should display gifts, and I'm happy with that. So at this point, a stranger's side eye on the internet means nothing to me, especially someone who shows up on S15 (who has never been around here before) just to make a rude comment on a topic that has already been covered time and again. No need to pet my hair or tell me anything, feel free to just move along and say nothing at all.
I read your OP, shared my thoughts as you asked and your response was to belittle me. You sound quite defensive for someone who DGAF.
Not defensive at all and don't feel that I have belittled anyone. I didn't know what all those letters meant in your post so I didn't know you hadn't caught up on all the opinions and explanations we shared. I'm just happy with the way my hostess is planning the shower and don't need anyone to make me feel better (or worse) about it at this point. I wanted opinions before our final decision was made and then I posted an update with what my host and I decided on, so there was no reason to side eye things any further. I'm sorry I started the board at all and now I just wish this board could be closed and forgotten about.
I didn't know what that silly chunk of letters meant either, but maybe people shouldn't chime in without reading the whole story.
And please don't regret starting this thread. It seems like a lot of people gained from it as you introduced many of us to an innovative way to introduce gifts at a shower. This poster here loves drama threads and comes out of the "wood house" every time one may be on the brink of erupting. I've seen it a bunch of times on other boards and wasn't surprised to see that this one was no exception.
You did well with this and as always handled it like a champion.
Not defensive at all and don't feel that I have belittled anyone. I didn't know what all those letters meant in your post so I didn't know you hadn't caught up on all the opinions and explanations we shared. I'm just happy with the way my hostess is planning the shower and don't need anyone to make me feel better (or worse) about it at this point. I wanted opinions before our final decision was made and then I posted an update with what my host and I decided on, so there was no reason to side eye things any further. I'm sorry I started the board at all and now I just wish this board could be closed and forgotten about.
Uh-oh @excited2bmommy09 we're getting the side-eye. Shall we tell our lovely generous friends that are throwing us a baby shower that they need to do it differently because some stranger on the internet doesn't approve? )
So. A few thoughts. First and foremost, Miss Cate, you have been ever the gracious and lovely lady we know you to be throughout this whole fiasco. Love ya girly Next, seems a bit like happenstance that lurkers just so happen to be here today and just so happen to notice this post, does it not? Smells a bit fishy to me. Third, while this will be deemed ungrateful, if someone is throwing a party FOR ME and in MY honor, why would etiquette dictate that I should put my comfortable aside for my guests? I'm not throwing the party! Lastly, I just want to point out that the brigade saying that mentioning gifts is so uncouth is the very same that makes a point NON-STOP to say that "showers are for showering the new mom with gifts" and other such semantic bs (ie, to the poor ladies wanting to plan their own). So we're supposed to all know gifts are more than implied, yet we're supposed to make no mention of them? That's more than a little silly. Who really bitches about something that saves them time and money and is for the person you're supposed to be thinking of?
Oh and p.s., unicorn farts refers to the moniker of a certain snarky fallen comrade, remember?
Yipes, 98 messages since I check last?! I shudder to think what we got up to while I was away. :-) I am going to catch up on Page 4, 5, &6 later tonight.
In the mean time let me say that there was a re blog on Jezebel this afternoon about showers, specifically wedding, but the article and the subsequent comments (which tend to be the best part!) had some Crazy showers they had been invited to. A display shower is seriously not even that far along on the spectrum between totally traditional showers and straight up sending an envelope for checks when there is no party. Meaning I think it is pretty close to traditional, if not in my style wheel house.
My shower wasn't traditional either in that I planned everything from top to bottom, though officially my sister (who was in med school) paid for it and "hosted." She loved hearing how perfect everything was for me, and getting all the hostess love. But even that is not ultra traditional. Who cares? People who don't like it won't come or will be looking side eye to see what people's reactions will be (what I would do, I love, love, love people, gah we are all strange!) but I am sure that if you are super gracious almost any style of shower will be fun - though that Jezebel article does highlight there are a lot of ungracious people out there. Given the right attitude and friend/family make up a color coded, gender reveal, poem invitation, triple wrapped, display, self hosted, bring a book or toy for the older kids party could be fun. :-) I know at least 2 social butterflies (not me!) that would make it a blast.
There's a lot being discussed here. I know the older people at my shower were super excited about opening gifts. I felt a little awkward because I was overwhelmed by all the gifts and how generous everyone was. I couldn't believe it. I didn't have a say but I don't think my family would have cared if it was open box. I went to one before and everyone walked over and looked at the gifts. And cooed over the cute clothes. It was different for sure, but the end result is the same.
@missemmawoodhouse actually, I take back what I said, I did poke fun at that side eye comment, but only because I found it comical that I had already thanked everyone for their input and told them my decision. It was interesting that someone I've never seen before jumped in on the tail end of a heated convo to say something about side-eyeing my choice. It's your right to do so, of course, but I just found it comical.
In my defense though I didn't know what that long abbreviation meant, so I was joking with the other "gift display mom" that now that we've already made up our minds, a stranger's opinion was going to change it. Sorry to have belitted your opinion if that is what it genuinely was and you weren't just stirring up the drama again. Just sort of felt that way, but no biggie.
My SIL had two showers with her first baby! One was a green shower hosted by her mom in New York and a traditional shower hosted by my mom in Massachusetts, she preferred the traditional shower because it was more "fun"! She said she liked seeing all the gifts from everyone and enjoyed everyone being a part of seeing what she got as she opened them. A green shower is not my thing but if you feel that all the attention will be on you because you are opening gifts your wrong it will be on you no matter what as your the guest of honor.
"did not rtmfpbmfp" = did not read the mf post before mf posting.
IMLINSAL"A" - In my life, I've never seen a longer "abbreviation."
Edited: Unresolved quote box issues.
Ahaha! Omg. Seriously, between "rtmfpbmfp" and triple duct taping freaking BABY presents (anyone else mildly disturbed by this imagery?), this thread went from intelligently voicing varying opinions to straight up satire. Lurkers, please don't ever change.
I'm just curious as to why someone taking their time and money to go and buy you a gift and then spend their free time going to a shower just isn't enough.
I just can't imagine telling someone how their gift must be given to me, which is what you are doing when you make those kind of requests on an invitation.
I'm just curious as to why someone taking their time and money to go and buy you a gift and then spend their free time going to a shower just isn't enough.
I just can't imagine telling someone how their gift must be given to me, which is what you are doing when you make those kind of requests on an invitation.
I'm curious why you see it as such a burden? It's not specifying a brand, style, and wrapping method for the gifts, it's actually saving guests time and money to not have to bother wrapping them. If I got this request I would thank the host for being respectful of the time I've taken to buy a gift and attend the shower by not asking me to wrap said gift as well. I would also respect their eco-consciousness, but I don't eat red meat and drive a Prius in Texas so I'm used to being a little crunchier than some.
You've made your point, repeatedly, and some agree and some don't (not much has changed in a few weeks). Why not just leave it alone?
Re: Opinions on "Display" Baby Shower
That said, I've read through the posts from today and wanted to offer a compromise for people who want to split the difference. I recently attended a shower where after the traditional games and eating were completed the MTB sat in a big comfy chair and then guests individually went and retrieved their gifts and stood with her while she opened it. It allowed each guest special one on one time with her and also didn't force the rest of us to quietly sit and watch for hours while the present opening happened. The MTB's mom also took a picture with each guest and her daughter. It guaranteed that she also was able to speak to each of her guests, too.
Just wanted to throw out another idea for folks who dread opening gifts in a big group like I do. Good luck everyone!
@CEB37 The entire point of this post was to make sure all of our guests know they are cared for and their gifts are appreciated, that's why I wanted opinions on the topic. If you read any of my responses, you would see that's important to me and you would also see that many of the guests already love the idea! Wrapped or unwrapped gifts is such a minor thing in the bigger picture, and ultimately the host of the party makes the final decision, I'm not being inconsiderate by just going along with what she has planned. Sorry if the fact that I like the way she's displaying the gifts is so offensive to you.
But you also said I was being dramatic when I said I would decline to attend a display shower. This goes both ways.
Edited for spelling. Tape doesn't quack. : )
DS2: BFP 02/09/13 | EDD 10/26/13 | said goodbye 06/02/13
In theory I see what you're saying but trying to please everyone seems like a tall order, especially if all communication is apparently handled via "side-eyes." I guess I don't recall having to check in with every guest to see if they liked how the shower planning was going.
So yes, I did say I didn't read the whole post.
And please don't regret starting this thread. It seems like a lot of people gained from it as you introduced many of us to an innovative way to introduce gifts at a shower. This poster here loves drama threads and comes out of the "wood house" every time one may be on the brink of erupting. I've seen it a bunch of times on other boards and wasn't surprised to see that this one was no exception.
You did well with this and as always handled it like a champion.
Edited for spelling.
First and foremost, Miss Cate, you have been ever the gracious and lovely lady we know you to be throughout this whole fiasco. Love ya girly
Next, seems a bit like happenstance that lurkers just so happen to be here today and just so happen to notice this post, does it not? Smells a bit fishy to me.
Third, while this will be deemed ungrateful, if someone is throwing a party FOR ME and in MY honor, why would etiquette dictate that I should put my comfortable aside for my guests? I'm not throwing the party!
Lastly, I just want to point out that the brigade saying that mentioning gifts is so uncouth is the very same that makes a point NON-STOP to say that "showers are for showering the new mom with gifts" and other such semantic bs (ie, to the poor ladies wanting to plan their own). So we're supposed to all know gifts are more than implied, yet we're supposed to make no mention of them? That's more than a little silly. Who really bitches about something that saves them time and money and is for the person you're supposed to be thinking of?
Oh and p.s., unicorn farts refers to the moniker of a certain snarky fallen comrade, remember?
"did not rtmfpbmfp" = did not read the mf post before mf posting.
IMLINSAL"A" - In my life, I've never seen a longer "abbreviation."
Edited: Unresolved quote box issues.
In the mean time let me say that there was a re blog on Jezebel this afternoon about showers, specifically wedding, but the article and the subsequent comments (which tend to be the best part!) had some Crazy showers they had been invited to. A display shower is seriously not even that far along on the spectrum between totally traditional showers and straight up sending an envelope for checks when there is no party. Meaning I think it is pretty close to traditional, if not in my style wheel house.
My shower wasn't traditional either in that I planned everything from top to bottom, though officially my sister (who was in med school) paid for it and "hosted." She loved hearing how perfect everything was for me, and getting all the hostess love. But even that is not ultra traditional. Who cares? People who don't like it won't come or will be looking side eye to see what people's reactions will be (what I would do, I love, love, love people, gah we are all strange!) but I am sure that if you are super gracious almost any style of shower will be fun - though that Jezebel article does highlight there are a lot of ungracious people out there. Given the right attitude and friend/family make up a color coded, gender reveal, poem invitation, triple wrapped, display, self hosted, bring a book or toy for the older kids party could be fun. :-) I know at least 2 social butterflies (not me!) that would make it a blast.
Enjoy your parties!
In my defense though I didn't know what that long abbreviation meant, so I was joking with the other "gift display mom" that now that we've already made up our minds, a stranger's opinion was going to change it. Sorry to have belitted your opinion if that is what it genuinely was and you weren't just stirring up the drama again. Just sort of felt that way, but no biggie.
I just can't imagine telling someone how their gift must be given to me, which is what you are doing when you make those kind of requests on an invitation.
You've made your point, repeatedly, and some agree and some don't (not much has changed in a few weeks). Why not just leave it alone?