Meeting the in-laws is nerve-racking, to say the least. We all want to give a good first impression and will do what we can to ensure this happens, whether it involves researching the father’s favourite pastime to talk about or finding a vibrant bunch of flowers for the mother-in-law to score a few brownie points.
Traditionally, gentlemen have to impress the father and the ladies the mother. Parents can be very protective over their children and want to ensure that they’re passing the baton onto to someone who will look after and protect their child.
Bringing a gift to your future in-laws is a great way to break the ice and show that meeting them is important and a special moment. You don’t have to buy anything extravagant, a bottle of wine or some flowers are always welcomed. If you really want to impress the in-laws with the perfect gift, but still want to keep it subtle, why not buy a Botanic Garden vase to go with the flowers? It makes a simple bunch of flowers into something more meaningful and thoughtful, but without overdoing it.
Of course, you will be relying on your partner to give you an insight to their parents – this piece of information is crucial to buying the perfect gift for the in-laws. Maybe their parents desperately need new cups, but they’ve never got round to buying them. If you’re worried about offending the in-laws with a new cup set, why not make it a joint gift? You won’t have to worry about upsetting your partner’s parents and it will be a surprising, thoughtful gift from you both. You could even pick the cup design to secure extra points!
If baking is one of your passions, you could bake your in-laws one of your signature dishes. It can be daunting, especially if it’s a recipe you love and are proud of, but it’s a great way to get in with the in-laws, plus it makes good conversation. If it’s a cake that you are pleased of, why not complement it with a new cake stand?
Likewise, with the flowers and vase suggestion, you want your gift to stand out but remain subtle, and this is another way to achieve this.
Here are a few other handy tips for meeting the in-laws from our own personal experience.
- Always offer to help! Whether it’s to help do the washing up or clearing away the table, a simple gesture such as this will be remembered.
- If you’re going to the local for a couple of drinks, offer to buy a round. Often or not, they will say no, but the gesture was there.
- If you’re having a lunch or dinner date at yours, be the perfect host and let them sit back and relax. If they offer to help you, politely decline and if they offer again, accept – it’s a good way to get to know them better on a one-to-one basis, just make sure you don’t make them do all the work!
- Compliments are always a winner, but don’t overdo it! If you’ve been invited to theirs for dinner, complement the food, it will certainly impress them.
Remember, when buying gifts it’s the thought that counts so our advice is to not overthink it and enjoy it. You’ll no doubt have more in common than you think.