AboutJay Remer Expertise I am happy to answer any questions about social or corporate etiquette as well as questions regarding international protocol. It is important to practice civility. It is contagious.
Experience I am certified by the Protocol School of Washington as a consultant for corporate etiquette and international protocol. I have been entertaining and giving advise on entertaining for over 40 years.
Publications Weekly column in Telegraph Journal
Education/Credentials Graduate of Protocol School of Washington
Question I would like to have a house warming party, where guests are not to bring house warming presents but rather a grocery bag of non-perishable food items which will be donated to a local charity to share among the less fortunate who are in need of food. How can I word such as invitation to indicate sharing and caring with others in need in our society and by thanking them for joining us in such a worthy act of kindness. Thank you kindly for your reply.
Answer Dear Deb,
I must tell you that I have answered upwards of 600 questions on this site and this is far and away the number one best question ever asked. It is an easy one to answer, but the opportunity is indeed rare. Thank you for having such a big heart!! Now to the answer. You are really doing a brilliant thing here by this gesture and that should be the emphasis, so I would write something like this. You are invited to our housewarming party. We would like to celebrate this important milestone in our lives by recognizing those less fortunate than ourselves. In lieu of any cards or gifts, please consider bringing non-perishable food stuffs which we will donate to (name of charity).
Customarily the mention of gifts on an invitation is absolutely wrong. I must say that this is a very appropriate exception. My colleagues may say I am dead wrong, but world poverty is a cause dear to my heart and lending a helping hand to those less fortunate shows the respect we should all have for our fellow man. This is civility at work in its rawest form. Again thank you.
