DEAR MISS MANNERS: A dear friend of my family wanted to have a baby shower for me (I'm the pregnant one) and my wife. I like the idea of my wife and I celebrating our impending motherhood with a small group of friends and family, but we are both absolutely opposed to registries or even events where gifts are expected.
We are very well able to supply all our needs ourselves, and we don't want anybody to feel obligated to bring anything. If some bring gifts and others don't, I'm worried that those without gifts will feel embarrassed.
What should I tell the friend who would like to throw us the party about how to word the invitation? Also, what does one do at such a party? The baby shower activities we've read about seem a little silly.
GENTLE READER: That Miss Manners shares your feeling does not change the fact that presents and silly games are the chief characteristics of baby showers. Therefore, what you should tell your hospitable friend is how much you appreciate the offer, but that you would truly rather not have a shower, and hope to see her and your other friends for visits to meet the new baby.