How do I politely turn down an invitation?

[TxJasmine]

Last night one of my neighbors (that I barely know even though we've both lived on the same street for several years), came to the door with an invitation to a party she's hosting. DH spoke with her, and she said that she's having a little party to get to know her neighbors. Several new families have moved in recently, so I thought it sounded like a very nice idea.

Turns out that the invitation is for a pearl party to learn about pearls and then buy jewelry! If it were about scrapbooking - I would be interested, but I have absolutely no interest in buying pearls (nor do I have the money for it!) If I went to the party I would feel obligated to buy something, and I don't want to go. Fortunately, DH got her email address so I don't have to call her - but how can I politely decline the invitation without being rude? I can't say we have other plans because DH should have already mentioned them if it were true.

I know that many of you on the DIS are much better at this than I am, so I'm hoping you can help me out!

 

[SC Minnie]

I am not going to be able to make it to the party Friday night. I appreciate the invitation and hope to see you soon.


Nothing else needs to be said.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

It depends--would you like to stop in and chat for a few minutes? If so, I'd say that I have no interest in the pearls, but you'd like to stop in and meet the new neighbors and chat for a few minutes. If you don't want to do that or are not comfortable doing that, simply tell her that you have no interest in the pearls and will therefore not be coming to the party.

Personally, I don't have a problem with her having the party, but I don't think that she should use it as an excuse to get to know the neighbors. If she wants to socialize she should just have people over for a social get together. If she wants a party where she sells the pearls, that's fine, but that's not a time to get to know the new neighbors.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Here's my attempt:

"Thank you for the invitation to your party. While I am certain it would be fun, I don't have the resources to invest in more jewelry at this time. I appreciate you thinking of me, however, I must decline your invitation. I look forward to talking with you in the neighborhood."

 

[4formickey]

Tell her that you have plans and make your hubby take you out for that night. If you went to the party ,you do not have to buy anything. It is your choice on where you spend your money.

 

[NMAmy]

I am not going to be able to make it to the party Friday night. I appreciate the invitation and hope to see you soon.


Nothing else needs to be said.

Actually, this is perfect. You really don't need to say anything but this. You don't need to go into the reasons. Well done, SCMinnie!

 

[Pam]

I am not going to be able to make it to the party Friday night. I appreciate the invitation and hope to see you soon.


Nothing else needs to be said.

This is perfect.

 

[lulugirl]

I am not going to be able to make it to the party Friday night. I appreciate the invitation and hope to see you soon.


Nothing else needs to be said.

This is exactly how I would reply.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Fake your own death

 

[Disney Doll]

I am not going to be able to make it to the party Friday night. I appreciate the invitation and hope to see you soon.


Nothing else needs to be said.

Miss Manners would be so proud!!!!!!!!!

It's short, sweet, to the point and polite. The 2nd sentence is warm and shows you're interested in being friendly. You don't need to state a reason why you can't attend.

 

[THE HAT]

I am not going to be able to make it to the party Friday night. I appreciate the invitation and hope to see you soon.


Nothing else needs to be said.

this is spot on!! perfect, polite, and to the point.

 

[roseprincess]

It depends--would you like to stop in and chat for a few minutes? If so, I'd say that I have no interest in the pearls, but you'd like to stop in and meet the new neighbors and chat for a few minutes. If you don't want to do that or are not comfortable doing that, simply tell her that you have no interest in the pearls and will therefore not be coming to the party.

Personally, I don't have a problem with her having the party, but I don't think that she should use it as an excuse to get to know the neighbors. If she wants to socialize she should just have people over for a social get together. If she wants a party where she sells the pearls, that's fine, but that's not a time to get to know the new neighbors.

I agree If she is really wanting to get to know her neighbors, her and another neighbor that she knows should plan a block party of some sort or invite at her house for a social get-together. Or even rent the complex clubhouse for the party. At our condo complex, 2 ladies planned a block party about almost 2 summers ago. This was to get to know other neighbors and it was a success!

Rosemarie

 

[SamIAm21]

When my sweet Aunt Mary was invited to in-home retail parties (of any nature), she would sweetly say, I'd love to come for cake and conversation. This warmly implied that she'd love to visit, but wasn't interested in purchasing. I always loved that little phrase and it has served me well.

 

[TxJasmine]

Thank you all so much for your replies! I knew the DIS wouldn't let me down!