GIVING PRESENTS
As regards presents in general it should be understood that a present
demands a note of thanks in all cases when the thanks cannot be verbally
expressed. The notes to slight acquaintances should be written in the
third person. To friends, in the first person. This applies equally to
presents of game, poultry, fruit, or flowers. Some few people entertain
the erroneous idea that presents of this nature do not require thanks.
This is not only ungracious but raises a doubt in the mind of the giver
as to whether the present sent has been duly received.
* * * * *
=Wedding Presents.=--When an engagement has been duly announced to
relatives and friends, and it is understood that it is to be a short
one, wedding presents may be sent until the day before the wedding-day,
and the earlier they are sent the more convenient it is for the bride,
as she is expected to write a note of thanks to each giver. In each case
a letter should be sent with the present expressing the congratulations
and best wishes of the donor, and, if possible, a card with the name of
the giver should be attached to it for identification when the presents
are exhibited.
The friends of the bridegroom, and unacquainted with the bride, should
send their presents to him, and he should send them to the house of the
bride's mother after having written notes of thanks to the givers.
* * * * *
=Christening Presents.=--With regard to christening presents the
godfathers and godmothers are expected to make presents to their
godchild; these should be sent the day before the christening, and
should consist of a silver mug and silver fork and spoon from the
godfathers, while a lace robe or handsome cloak are usual presents from
the godmothers. A present of money from 5s. to L1 should be made to the
nurse on the day of the christening when the godparents are relatives,
but oftener than not the sponsors are represented by proxy.
* * * * *
=Giving Tips to Servants.=--The tips expected from ladies at the
conclusion of a visit of some days, are: To the head housemaid from 2s.
6d. to 5s. according to the length of the visit. The same to the butler
or single-handed man servant, and the same to the chauffeur. Young
ladies give less when visiting by themselves.
The tips expected from gentlemen are: To the butler or footman who
valets them, to the chauffeur if he drives them to and from the station,
to the groom if he takes charge of their hunters, also to the head
housemaid. The tip to the butler or footman who acts as valet is for a
long visit from 5s. to 10s., and for a short visit from 3s. to 5s. To
the chauffeur 5s. in the first case, and from 2s. 6d. to 5s. in the
second. To the housemaid, 2s. 6d. to 5s. For tips to gamekeeper, see p.
223.
The tips given to hotel servants vary according to the length of the
visit. To the head waiter from 5s. to 10s. To the second waiter from 2s.
6d. to 5s. To the hall porter, 2s. to 3s. To the luggage porter, 1s. to
2s. To the head housemaid in attendance, 2s. 6d. to 4s.