To me it says we don't have anything planned other than you come by and drop off a gift.
This. I get it that you're trying to go for a casual, laid back feel, but.... showers are showers. Especially "older folk" - they will absolutely expect a gift opening, and many people actually enjoy that part of it. If you're trying to avoid doing that, it won't go over well. Or if you have one but not everyone is there - when they do show up, they may be upset to find out they missed it.
"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." ~Benjamin Franklin
Definitely have a time for gift opening..please have gifts wrapped...then maybe do a backyard bbq type thing and have some optional games kind of like another thread suggested with cornhole or other lawn games. It will be more laid back and I would imagine for close family and friends not for the church ladies...
Please do not do this. I went to an "open house" bridal shower before. It was from 2:00 - 5:00 - prime hours for the hosts not to have to provide a full meal. There was a bowl of punch and (literally) two teacups of nuts and candy. Oh and did I also mention there were 8 hosts? The bride also requested unwrapped gifts and we had to set them on rented folding tables to be "displayed". She also couldn't bother to come and see what people brought as they arrived. There was no food hence no meal time, no gift unwrapping time, and no games. One of the few times I would have looked forward to a game! It was one of the worst showers I have ever been to.
I trust that you wouldn't commit all of the faux pas listed above, just wanted to share my experience. Just set a time and if people can make it they will make it.
Thanks for the input! We are looking at doing something where the baby would have a place to sleep, and people could come and go as they pleased! You guys gave me some great things to think about! Thanks!
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Re: ideas for an open house style shower
This. I get it that you're trying to go for a casual, laid back feel, but.... showers are showers. Especially "older folk" - they will absolutely expect a gift opening, and many people actually enjoy that part of it. If you're trying to avoid doing that, it won't go over well. Or if you have one but not everyone is there - when they do show up, they may be upset to find out they missed it.
~Benjamin Franklin
DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10