Gift Giving Etiquette

Bring flowers, chocolates, pastries, wine, or imported spirits to the hostess if you are welcomed to a Norwegian's home. Sending flowers the day before a dinner gathering will allow them to be exhibited that night. Don't send white flowers, lilies, or carnations because they are typically used during funerals.

Give no wreaths, not even at Christmas. Give flowers in odd numbers only. Having a houseplant during the winter is welcome. Wildflower bouquets that have just been picked are always welcome. When received, gifts are opened.

However, Old Norwegian Gulating law stipulated that a gift must be reciprocated with another present of equal value. In the old Scandinavian civilization, trades and contracts took place in the form of presents, which were voluntary, but were expected to be reciprocated. The law no longer dictates gift-giving practice in today's modern society, but there are several conventions that are frequently followed in Norway.

In Norway, giving gifts is typically accepted. Every holiday presents a chance for liberal gift-giving among the Norwegians. Every significant holiday is celebrated at home with families and close relatives by the strongly family-oriented Norwegians.

Here, hosting dinner parties is a common method to socialize. On the morning of the dinner party, it is frequently a good idea to give flowers to the host or hostess so they may arrange them for the evening. In the winter, a house plant is also welcome, and a bouquet of wildflowers is always welcome. When a gift is opened, it is usually still wrapped.