The holiday season is right around the corner. Resulting in many dinners, lunches and getting dressed up for party’s etc.
Remember it is the season of forgiveness, happiness, helping others, coming together and to celebrate the festive time of the year. Let’s look at a few basic etiquette when celebrating outside the house.
Invitation
Do accept or decline an invitation as soon as possible. Also, do not just change your mind because you might have a better option. A lot of effort has been made, nobody likes to have empty tables or seats.
Dress code
Do ask if there is a dress code, if you are not sure. Jeans and sneakers are not considered a casual dress code, but streetwear. Let’s not forget it is Christmas, not a Saturday afternoon with the guys. Especially visiting a restaurant, it is better to overdress then underdress.
Gift giving
Do bring something if you are invited to someone’s house. It does not have to be anything expensive, but it is important to make an effort. Buy something where you have put some thought into it. Or make something that has taken some effort. Remember it is always the thought that counts. Do not forget the kids if you are visiting, a small token will work wonders for that day.
Restroom
Be sure to visit the restroom before you meet the host. Do not just run inside and announce an urgent bathroom break. During dinner, wait for that bathroom break at least until after the dessert. Again, no announcement is needed.
Ordering
When in a restaurant, wait and take the lead from your host. Important to remember not to finish your plate before the host, it looks better if you finish at the same time.
Conversation
Politics, rude joke’s, private details, heated conversations are amongst the no no’s. Let’s keep the conversation light and joyful.
Table accessories
Whatever accessories are on the table when you arrive, they should stay that way. Do not use your table as a chess game, like pushing plates or glasses away. Do not put keys, bags, wallets, phones and i-pads on the table. If you expect an important call, make your host aware in advance. Christmas is about being together with season joy and happiness.
Sharing items
Let’s pass the bread or salt and pepper. Be the first to offer to your fellow diner and then use yourself. Do not lean across your neighbouring dinner guest to reach the salt for example; simply and politely ask if they could pass the item.
Thank you
Always thank the host personally at the end of the occasion. The following day, a simple thank you card, an email or a telephone call is courteous.
If you are not sure on the etiquette or what is the correct way to behave, brush up on it with us at Global Etiquettes. Do not embarrass yourself or the host. Let’s enjoy the Holidays.