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Giving gifts to Greeks

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Giving gifts to Greeks

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Message posted by BBB on 04�June�2004 at 6:14pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer

BBB

Can anyone help with this. We want to give some sort of gift to our new neighbours in Corfu. We do not want to offend them by an inappropriate present or even by giving them one if that is not the done thing. I understand that the greeks like to give you something when you visit them. The neighbours are a middle-aged local couple. We were thinking of bringing them something from England.

BBB

Message posted by Corfiot Mag on 04�June�2004 at 6:44pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer

Corfiot Mag

Hi

How very thoughtful of you! This is a difficult area, and without seeing where they live it is difficult to tell you what would be appropriate.

However, clothes are not unless the recipient is teenage or under, in which case it is fine. A nice silky scarf or shawl or tie from UK shop would be very acceptable though. Whether some sort of ornament would be appropriate is unlikely as it's difficult to judge a local's taste compared with ours, unless you've been extensively in their house and have seen what they like. I would stick to the conservative and go for a blow-out cake or a pot plant, if buying locally. Or if from the UK anything from M & S or Harrods (like the scarf and tie), overtly packaged. But not too exotic a foodstuff like smoked salmon.

Bit of a minefield all in all. But the only thing you can be sure of is that they will accept the pressie with grace even if it is not appropriate. And there will be no request for you to hand over the receipt so that they can go back and change it, which seems (certainly in my UK family) to be the rule nowadays.

One thing to note: unless things have changed, don't expect them to open it in front of you. The present will be put aside and enjoyed later.

Suzanna, can you also help with this in yr role as Miss Manners of Corfu?

Hilary

Message posted by Sailor on 04�June�2004 at 7:09pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer

Sailor

Hi BBB.

We take gifts to Corfu to give to our friends who own and run the hotel we stay at on our holidays. Normally something ornamental from the UK, or we club together and as we did last year, we brought them a piece of Ladro.

They were both well pleased that we even thought of it, and we have gone back, or one of group have gone back, it is proudly on view.

Its the thought that counts.

Best Wishes.

Message posted by kary on 04�June�2004 at 7:13pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer

kary

Hi,

I would think some sort of ornament for the house would be appreciated and need not be purchased in the UK. There is plenty of choice in Corfu town. I was given a gift under similar circumstances of some lovely cakes presented on a lovely plate. Not the sort of plate you eat off but the kind that you could display. I think clothing would perhaps be a little too personal.

Message posted by doug on 04�June�2004 at 7:44pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer

doug

Corfu

Hi BBB

It not always the present but the help and thought you can give to others whilst you are there.My neighbour was revamping his house I would give him a hand if he was struggling or just bringing back cold bottled water during the summer when shopping ,but he would end up giving me carrier bags full of oranges or making me greek coffee every time he saw me.

Doug

Message posted by BBB on 04�June�2004 at 8:04pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer

BBB

Thank you all for your suggestions. It has given me a few ideas to work on. We actually bought our house from this couple and we want to be good neighbours and establish a friendship with them. They are also having to put up with all the noise etc with our building works. They have been extremely welcoming with gifts of eggs and produce. We are really looking forward to being a part of the local community albeit just for holidays at the moment.

What about alcohol or perfume?

Message posted by Susanna on 04�June�2004 at 9:39pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer

Susanna

Corfu

I've never been called that before, Hilary!

I think the alcohol for him, perfume for her idea is excellent. You can also never go wrong with cakes bought locally, but this is the type of gift you would take with you when going for a meal at their house, so for something a bit more special, some nice (well-known brand) perfume plus a bottle of whiskey sounds just right.

Actually, whilst on this topic, it wouldn't hurt to point out to any Brits coming to live here that you would NEVER go to someone's house empty-handed. Most shops in Greece would close down if it weren't for the tradition of taking presents for all occasions!

Susanna

Message posted by BBB on 04�June�2004 at 10:20pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer

BBB

Thanks Susanna, that is really helpful.

While we're on the subject, any more tips on etiquette with the locals would be welcome.

Thanks, BBB.

Message posted by ali on 09�June�2004 at 9:24pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer

ali

A gift in Greece is usually a token gesture like, as previously stated, an ornament or some nicely gift wrapped delicacies. A friend of mine, then in his twenties, received a crystal dish for sugared almonds on his name day from his best friend and seemed genuinely pleased to have it. I can just imagine my nephews face if he were to open such a present.

Choclates or fancy pastries are appreciated or if you have a local speciality from your home town they are often interested in trying them too. Although I do remember making christmas pudding one year which everyone thought was awful. Still they were very interested in trying it.

Message posted by BBB on 10�June�2004 at 12:05pm - IP Logged Legal Disclaimer

BBB

Thanks Ali, I shall be shopping soon.

BBB.

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