AllExperts > Social Etiquette and Good Manners 
Search      
Social Etiquette and Good Manners
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Social Etiquette and Good Manners Questions · Answer Library  · Encyclopedia ·
More Social Etiquette and Good Manners Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Social Etiquette and Good Manners
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
 
About Cynthia Lett
Expertise
Proper manners with friends,family,colleagues,neighbors and everyone else you know.

Experience
I have been an etiquette expert teaching and consulting on the subject worldwide since 1983. I started and run the International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals and am considered a leader in the field. I edited "Etiquette for Dummies" and have recently written "Lett's Talk - Everyday Etiquette Dilemmas and What to Do about Them". I taught the Business Protocol class to Master's level students at the George Washington University, Washington, DC. Chief of Protocol for MCI Telecommunications.

Organizations
International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals, ASTD, PCMA, National Speakers Association

Publications
I have been quoted over 700 times in the past 5 years worldwide. Publications include Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Washington Times, NY Times, Washington Business Journal, USA Today, Associated Press, London Times, Newsweek Japan edition, Newsweek US edition and many many more.

Education/Credentials
I am a Certified Etiquette Professional (CEP) and Certified Protocol Professional (CPP) earned by examination through ISPEP. I have a Master's degree in hospitality law and undergrad degrees in Restaurant & Hotel Management and Public Relations/Interpersonal Communications from Purdue University.

Awards and Honors
Who's Who Worldwide,Who's Who of American Women, Distinguished Darden Professor (Purdue University).

Past/Present Clients
World Bank, United Nations,US Dept. of State, US. Dept. of the Army, Pentagon, Barclays Global Investors,Accenture,AT&T,Bank of America,American Association of Clinical Pharmacies,Ritz Carlton Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Marriott Hotels,Starwood Hotels,and many more.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Health/Fitness > Self-Improvement/Self-Help > Social Etiquette and Good Manners > 50th birthday gift - money

Social Etiquette and Good Manners - 50th birthday gift - money


Expert: Cynthia Lett - 11/7/2009

Question
My brother in law is throwing his wife a surprise 50th birthday party at a nice restaurant which he told us he is paying $45 per person.  Normally we do not exchange birthday presents, but this is a big one.  Are my husband and myself supposed to give enough to cover both our dinners?  Would it be different if we did not know the price of the dinners?

Answer
Dear Jean:
What you give to your sister for her 50th birthday should be something that you think she will like and appreciate.  That is the only requirement.  The cost of the gift has no importance.  It was rude for your brother-in-law to inform anyone what he is spending on his party.  It is proper etiquette for you to ignore what he told you and go with your heart.

Thank you for your question.

Ask a Question


 
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2008 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.