It has come to my attention that with all of the new guests, courtiers and various promotions, that some people within these walls have either forgotten the guidelines for gift giving or never knew them in the first place. Please, allow me to enlighten those who wish and need to know. This will save much embarrassment on the part of the new courtiers and save the fingers of my hard working apprentices.
The customary guidelines are as follows:
You may only give one gift per moon. This means a /single/ article of clothing such as a gown or cape or a doublet. This does not mean a gift of an entire outfit. This guideline is to ensure that the gift giving and the seamstresses are not abused as well as reminding one to be mindful of their position in Her Majesty's court.
You may not give gifts that are above what you would be able to obtain and wear yourself - unless it is for someone of higher station and you have approval from the seamstresses or you get someone of status (Honored Guest and above) to sponsor your gift. This means, if you are 10th ranked honored guest, you may not request a silk garment, even it is a gift for someone of the 6th link. Unless, you have someone of the 6th link sponsoring you for that item.
You may give either one large item (i.e. a dress or a cape) or two small items (Shoes, gloves, a nice pouch) unless the small item is made of a particularly fancy material or dye. However, this is also subject to the once per moon guideline and up to the apprentice seamstress' discretion as to what is a 'large' item and what is a 'small' item. You are expected to treat all gifts with due respect and care. If you are gifted with something that is above your station (i.e. someone on the 11th link is gifted with leather pants) it is not proper to wear the gift every day, rather wear the gift on occasion or to formal social functions where such attire is expected. To wear it on an every day basis shows disrespect to those who gifted you and those of higher station. It could also be looked on as "aping your betters."
Please note that all of my apprentices and their students have been charged with repeating these guidelines as they see fit to whomever it appears to need reminding. This should not be taken as an insult, just the dissemination of much needed information.
Thank you,
Mistress Ermengarde
Royal Seamstress