We are having a housewarming party and we have told people no gifts. But I know that some of our family and friends won't listen and will bring gifts anyway. The question is, when do you open the gifts? Do you open them while they are there, or just open afterward and send a thank you card?
merrybodner
Favorite Answer
If you said no gifts, and some people didn't listen, don't embarrass the ones who did listen by opening the gifts at the party. Open them afterwards and send thank you notes.
Anonymous
Since there will be those who listen and don't bring gifts and those who bring gifts, it's best not to embarrass those who didn't bring by opening the gifts in front of them. So open the gifts after the party is over and all guests are gone, then send them thank you cards.
MuffinMom
Definitely after. The only time it is acceptable for adults to open gifts at a party is when the party is a shower - bridal or baby - and the focus of the party is gift giving. For any other kind of party - housewarming, adult birthday, engagement, wedding, etc. gifts should be opened after the guests leave.
dawnb
Housewarming gifts are meant to be acknowledged as each guest arrives. They are rarely wrapped but usually presented in a basket or bag or something similar. It's a very casual gift giving.
prissymnm
Normally you open gifts while people are still there. Everyone claps (even if its a crappy gift), do it after everyone has ate. That's what I'd say!