Melania Trump’s Gift to Michelle Obama
Let’s set aside whose inauguration it was, and take a moment to discuss the kind and thoughtful gesture of Melania Trump. I refer to the gift box she handed to Michelle Obama as they greeted one another.
Q: Awkward or smooth?
A: Awkward. In those few moments, you could see that Michelle Obama was grateful, but puzzled. Naturally, she wanted to express her appreciation, but how could she without delaying the process.
Although thoughtful, (I mean, who wouldn’t be grateful to receive the blue gift box), it was not the right moment.
It’s similar to bringing a bouquet of flowers or a dish that requires the use of the stove to your host while the party is going on. Nice, but not practical.
Luckily, now, former President Obama, noticed the dilemma and took action.
What could have Melania Trump or Michelle Obama done differently? I must say that in a monumental moment such as the transfer of power, it was handled just fine.
Not that long ago, Michelle Obama, arrived with gift in hand as she greeted the outgoing First Lady, Laura Bush.
- Michelle Obama, after saying, thank you, could have passed it to the nearest aide.
- Melania Trump could have saved the gift-giving for a later time. Or, she could have sent it in advance. (But then no one would have seen the traditional gesture. In her defense, as a guest of the White House, she brought the customary “hostess gift” as a sign of respect to Michelle Obama.)
Here are few interesting facts relating to Tiffany gifts:
But Tiffany & Co. — probably most known for its signature robin’s egg blue packaging — has a long history with the White House.
President Abraham Lincoln gave a set of pearl jewelry to his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, for his inauguration in 1861.
Tiffany also redesigned the Great Seal of the United States in 1885. Its version of the seal can be seen on the $1 bill.
And President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird Johnson, commissioned Tiffany to create their White House china.
As the anxiously awaited Inauguration Day comes to an end, I extend my gratitude to the Obama family for their service, and good wishes to the Trump family.
I’m Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, Social Skills and Civility Speaker/Presenter, Media Source, and author of “Don’t Burp in the Boardroom.”
I offer presentations to support HR policies, sales team, managers, as part of the new-hire orientation process, in-home technicians, professional development events, conferences, college/university students, interns. For more information, please contact me.
Photo sources: nytimes.com/Mark Wilson-Getty Images
