Gilded Age Birthday Parties

Expensive table favors for the guests were common at gilded age dinner parties, but evidently bringing gifts to birthday parties was not. – “Parents, husbands, wives, sisters and brothers give birthday presents frequently, but they are not expected from strangers.” 

We were asked a few days since if it was customary for persons attending a birthday party to take with them a present. We will here state for the benefit of those ignorant of birthday etiquette that we have attended many natal day gatherings in the Eastern states and on this Coast; we have read many works on etiquette and usages, and also many glowing reports of birthday parties, and we have never heard of such a custom. 

Parents, husbands, wives, sisters and brothers give birthday presents frequently, but they are not expected from strangers. Those inviting guests are generally satisfied if the party passes off pleasantly and each and everyone who attends can say, when it is over: “Well, I enjoyed myself, and had a pleasant time.” – Merced County Sun, 1884

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