Questions and answers
Questions and answers
Short, self-contained answers about parties, gifts, greetings and traditions, from the basics to practical points. Answers open when you click, but all of them are in the page text. A detailed preparation plan is in the “Practical articles” section. Answers about gifts and customs describe Russian law and Russian tradition; customs and rules differ elsewhere.
A short answer is only useful if it is honest. Where a lot depends on your family and your guests, we say so.
The party
How far ahead should you start preparing?
For a party at home, starting about two weeks ahead works well: it gives you enough time to invite guests, plan the menu and shop without rushing.
How do you split the budget without a target figure?
Think in shares: the largest part usually goes on food and drinks, a smaller part on decorations and entertainment, and keep a small reserve for the unexpected. The total is up to you; proportions help you stay within it.
How long can food stay out on the table?
Perishable dishes should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, as the USDA recommends. Put them out in small portions and keep the rest in the fridge.
Can you decorate a children's party with balloons?
Yes, but with care: children under 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Pick up pieces of popped balloons straight away, and remember that latex can cause allergies.
Gifts
Can you give a gift to a teacher or doctor?
Under Article 575 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, employees of educational, medical and social care organisations may not receive gifts in connection with their work, except ordinary gifts worth no more than 3,000 roubles. The same limit applies to certain public officials. This is Russian law; rules differ in other countries.
How many flowers should you give?
In Russia, an odd number of flowers is given for a birthday. An even number is traditionally associated with funerals.
Is it true you shouldn't give watches or knives?
These are Russian superstitions, not rules. Some people take them seriously, so if you are unsure, choose another gift or ask in advance. By the same custom, a wallet is given with a coin inside.
Is it all right to give money?
It depends on the family and the relationship. Money often works well if the birthday person is saving for something big. Add a card with a few words of your own so the gift doesn't feel impersonal.
Greetings and traditions
How do you write a greeting in your own words?
Start with the person's name, mention something specific about them and finish with one wish that really fits them. For example: “Thanks for always making time to listen. Here's to a year with a bit more time for you.”
How is a name day different from a birthday?
A birthday is the date a person was born. A name day, in Russian tradition, is the feast day of the saint a person is named after. They are different dates and are celebrated differently.
Is “Happy Birthday to You” free to use?
In the United States, yes: in 2015 a federal court ruled that Warner/Chappell had not proved it owned the lyrics, and in 2016, after a settlement, the song came to be treated as public domain in the US.
How often do two guests share a birthday?
More often than you might think: in a group of 23 people the probability of a match is over 50%, and with 57 people it is over 99%. This is known as the “birthday paradox”.
Related sections
- Guide sections
A map of the guide: planning, gifts and etiquette, greetings, children and safety.
- Practical articles
How to host a birthday party at home in two weeks, plus a catalogue of upcoming articles.
- Reference
Dates and traditions, etiquette, safety and curious facts, briefly and with sources.
Sources
- Civil Code of the Russian Federation (Art. 575)
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: balloon warnings
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
- Court ruling in Marya v. Warner/Chappell (2015)
- Probability theory materials (the “birthday paradox”)
Information is current as of the date it was prepared. Venues, services and sellers change their rules, so check prices, booking and refund terms with them directly, and check legal rules against the current version of the law.