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Advice about mother???

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Posted by: Justjohn

Hi guys need some advice,


As you know I am returning to Odessa and my lovely Sveta in June, when I will be meeting with her mother for the first time, she speaks no English at all so I am going to try and learn a few phrases in Russian before I go, so at least I can say hello etc. The advice I need is what do I take as a gift for the mother, should it be flowers or a gift or both if so what flowers are appropriate if it should be a gift again what do I buy, I am not minted but I am not broke either, well if I am truthful I am fairly well off, and would not mind spending money on a nice gift, I do not wish to appear mean or greedy, but at the same time I do not wish her to think I am trying to buy my way into her family either, I am a great believer in first impressions and I do so wish to get it right.

Desperate for good advice
JJ



Posted by: firemansam

Hey mate!
I would go down the Gerbera path.
I believe they are available over there...
As for the gift....
Good question. I would suggest maybe something along the lines of a nice (but not over the top) gold brooch. Nothing too extravigant, but something nice that a mother could wear and enjoy.
My thoughts anyway.
Sam.



Posted by: Leprechaun

Yep a brooch is nice, but be sure to bring some flowers and a tasty cake. (sveta will help you pick this out)

If you are going to the mothers house then for sure there will be a meal cooked for your honour, try everything on the table and compliment it when toasting =o)


Good luck, Dunno how you can wait so song to see her again.



Posted by: Chrismc

I agree JJ a nice broach won't go far wrong, OH and something sweet to eat is never wrong he he



Posted by: DocSpooky

I'd go for some pricy pralines. The second time a broach or anything else to wear might be a good idea. I think it's quite a personal present and maybe a bit over the top for your first meeting. Find out more about her taste first. Expensive chocolates, however, open females hearts.



Posted by: Leprechaun

I would call, earrings or a necklace personal not a brooch but the chocalates are a sure fire winner.



Posted by: Colochef

Whatever you bring will be appriciated, but if you want to win mom's heart be prepared to eat A LOT of her food. I would stick to flowers and candies for the first visit. Just ask her to pick out the flowers and you will be fine.



Posted by: neil277

Hello JJ!
I'm Neil's wife and I'm from Belarus.
I would bring flowers with nice cake or chocolate. You can buy something for Svetlana's and her mother's house ( a vase, a tea set or something else )
I wouldn't bring expansive things and I wouldn’t buy clothes also.
You can't come without presents. I think all people everywhere the same and your Mam would happy to get something too.
Good luck!



Posted by: GreenBarb

A nice silk scarf or a bottle of designer perfume won't see you wrong. The first visit is always the easiest to buy for but also the most stressful.
Or a bottle of Baileys Irish Cream, the women go mad for that stuff.

As the others have said try all the dishes placed infront of you and expect your plate to be topped up often and tell Sveta's Mother "It's tasty".

Oh! also lots of Vodka.

Good Luck with the trip.



Posted by: Brad-in-Minn

I have been through this! I will tell you that it does depend on where you will meet the Mother or family. If you are going to meet the family, then I would suggest the finest wine that the Mother likes! Red or White? Usualy Red. Mothers always excpect flowers!!! An off color Roses like Yellow or Pink!! But Always bring a very good Wine!!! Mothers will love flowers and YES they will par take in a glass of very good Wine! Georgian wine is considered the best!! I have tasted it with Russian families and Ukrainian people say that it is soo!! Wine from the Georgian region is more price but it is very good!!! Russian/Ukrainian people like that they have a wine from their regoin that is this good! You can find it!
Side note to you from experience, Offer a hand in a friendly shake to the Mother but she wont take it. You are better off presenting the gifts with a big SMILE and a lovig laugh!!!
I have been to this dinner, And her Mother offered me her Peremeli recipie!!! If you can get this, You are one with the Mother!!!



Posted by: Leprechaun

Georgian wine is really really nice, but its easy to get, bring a nice bottle of french =o)

with all these flowersm, cakes, chocolates, bottles & jewellery you wont have enough room in your suitcase to put your clothes!!! Theres some good choices here.

You must come back to this thread and tell us what you brought and how well it was received.



Posted by: swindoom

Brad-in-minn,

Yellow roses to a woman's mother you have never met, yellow flowers are associated with divorce.



Posted by: Leprechaun

OOOOPs!!! Why do we give our wives and mothers Daffodils here on Mothers Day!!!!



Posted by: swindoom

I also give my wife yellow flowers but only after a long discussion about what flowers she likes. She confirmed that yellow flowers are normally associated with divorce but personally she very likes yellow flowers, well all flowers really whatever the colour.



Posted by: Justjohn

Well thanks very much for all the advice, there is plenty here to choose from, although I think your right Leprechaun about needing a bigger suit case
I think the general consensus of opinion is the flowers and chocolate, which sounds good to me. I will ask Sveta which are her favourites, both flowers and chocolates,
To be honest I thought I was alone to make the choice, but I’m not because when you think about it Sveta is going to want everything to go well also, so she will help.

Its going to be a long 2 months waiting but it will be worth it, I’ve bought my tickets and booked our apartment so “COME ON JUNE 6TH !!!” I’ll let you know how it goes
Thanks again
JJ



Posted by: Chrismc

JJ try and take some mint chocolates the women love it and they find it very hard if not impossible to buy over there.

I have scored a winner each time I have taken or sent mint choccy over

Chris



Posted by: Leprechaun

Quote:
Originally Posted by RBS
Just

deleted by cheburashka

Gib



Ignore that.



Posted by: firemansam

Quote:
Originally Posted by RBS
Just

deleted by cheburashka

Gib

Oh, I know where I have seen you before.....
You are that guy in the picture....
Here on these forums somewhere....


Yeah mate, I know you and your kind......



Posted by: Leprechaun

Kindly ignore his post, Dont react, its what he wants.



Posted by: Brad-in-Minn

Excuse me for the color mix up! Haveyou actually traveled to E-Euroupe?/Russia. It Is easy to write about a difference in a flower color, but the physical meeting of real people with true intent of love defies all color!



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