DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it tacky to have a combo themed party? My husband is turning 40, and we just bought our first house together last month. We would like to "kill two birds with one stone" if it's proper etiquette. If it is allowable, which of the two is more important as far as the invitation is concerned?
GENTLE READER: Well, which one will get you more presents?
Forgive Miss Manners' cynicism, but she has unfortunately grown accustomed to this subtext. And she would otherwise not understand why grown-ups feel the need to have a themed party at all -- much less a "combo theme" -- when that is really best left to the preschool set.
You may certainly have a party to celebrate both occasions, but if you are not fishing for presents (and let us assume in good faith that you are not), do not advertise it as such. Simply have a party.
Presumably, your friends will know that this is a new house if they have not visited you in it before -- and can bring presents if they like. And if you like, you may modestly toast your husband's birthday at the party. But please do not solicit gifts for either occasion, let alone both.