I found this really interesting because I genuinely didn't know that
there was a case for it being 'inappropriate' for a Mother-in-law to
host a baby shower for her daughter-in-law. How crazy is that! How
could it *not* be appropriate?!!!
Thankfully, it seems as though nowadays it's perfectly acceptable for
anyone who cares enough about you to host a baby shower for you! And
what an ideal, caring gesture from a Grandma-to-be to show her support
for her daughter-in-law and to make sure a new generation of her
family gets a proper welcome. What could possibly be wrong with that?
Don't let something as daft as 'correct etiquette' get in the way of
this demonstration of love and affection from your mother-in-law.
But just in case you need convincing, the consensus seems to support
the Mothers-in-law!
[http://baby-shower-games-etc.com/baby_shower_etiquette.htm]
"Who Hosts the Party?
Traditionally, the host of a baby shower would be a close friend of
the mom-to-be. Now, just about anyone can host the party. Mothers,
co-workers, friends, sisters, cousins and so on."
... and this one from http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/babyshowers/etiquette.htm
"Q. Is it okay to throw yourself a shower? I have several kids and am
expecting triplets. I've never had a shower before.
A. It's true that "proper etiquette rules" have relaxed a great deal
since Emily Post, especially for baby showers. However, in the world
of baby shower etiquette, most people would consider it really tacky
to host your own shower. Showers can be given by most anybody these
days but are usually hosted by a girlfriend or a grandma-to-be. If you
have enough friends and relatives to attend a shower, I bet someone
among that group will throw one for you. If you don't hear of any
plans, try dropping some subtle hints."
And then there's this one from http://www.pregnancy-info.net/babyshowers.html
"The Role of the Host
Planning a baby shower can make one?s head reel. There are so many
decisions to be made and, for the most part, it is the responsibility
of the host to plan the baby shower. While it once was poor baby
shower etiquette for a mother, sister or other close relative of the
mother-to-be to host the shower, today is it is fine for pretty much
anyone, except the expecting mother, to host a baby shower. Since the
focus of baby showers is often the gift giving, throwing your own baby
shower can make you look like a gift hound."
And this from http://www.parents.com/articles/pregnancy/1105.jsp
"Baby Showers
Baby showers are a relatively recent phenomenon -- they became common
only after World War II, during the baby boom of the 1940s and '50s.
Still, they've developed their own traditions and etiquette.
Who should host a baby shower?
Tradition states that a shower should not be hosted by a close family
member of the parents-to-be, but instead by a friend or more distant
relative, such as a cousin or an aunt. This rule was meant to avoid
the appearance that the family was simply on a mission to collect
gifts. However, like many traditions, this rule isn't strictly
observed these days. In fact, it's usually considered perfectly
acceptable for a sister, mother-in-law, or even the guest of honor's
mother to host or co-host a shower. It's still unusual for a
mother-to-be to host her own shower, though."
So, it looks as though we're all going to a baby shower at your
Mother-in-law's place! Best wishes for a great celebration. |
