The holidays are a time for visiting and spending time with family and friends, and for enjoying one another’s company during the festivities. If you’re hosting a holiday dinner or get-together, you’ll have various responsibilities in ensuring that your guests are comfortable and enjoying themselves. But if you’re the guest at someone’s celebration, you also have a responsibility to be a gracious guest, and make things as easy as possible for those hosting.
RSVP. Display good manners by letting the host know that you will be attending, and if you’ll be bringing anyone else along, like a spouse or significant other. But before you mention your +1, be sure that it’s all right to invite someone else besides yourself, since the host will need to know how many people are arriving in order to be adequately prepared.
Check In Before. Call your host to see if you can bring any last-minute supplies or ingredients to help make things easier. If the host and guests have decided on a potluck dinner, ask what food you can bring, such as a main entrée containing meats or veggies or an appetizer, drink, or dessert. Be sure to coordinate with the host and other guests so that there aren’t too many desserts and too little main entrees or side dishes, for example. When arriving with food, bring your own inexpensive serving utensils to help cut down on dish washing, and pre-cut or pre-slice any baked goods that you bring along. The host will appreciate your forethought and consideration.
If you’ll be staying for an overnight visit, ask if you should bring anything. Your host may not have extra linens or pillows for an extended stay, and asking beforehand will help make the stay easy and comfortable for both you and your host.
Don’t Arrive Empty-Handed. Your host may tell you that you don’t need to bring anything, but it’s always a nice gesture to do so. Whatever you bring, whether it is food, desserts, or wine, should be simple to hand over and set up, as you don’t want to create more work for your host. Simple appetizers or foods that don’t require long reheating and cookies or cakes are some great suggestions.
If your host asks that you don’t bring any food or drink, be a gracious guest by arriving with an appropriate gift, like candy or flowers already in a vase. The gesture certainly doesn’t have to be expensive to be appreciated.
Be On Time. It can be tricky for the host to prepare all the food in a timely fashion, making sure everything is out of the oven at the right time. Arriving late can confuse the planned preparation. On a similar note, arriving too early can be inconvenient for a host who isn’t yet prepared to entertain guests.
Make Conversation. If you’re attending a packed party, be sure to find the host first and greet him or her, before heading off to mingle. But don’t monopolize the host, especially if the gathering is a large one. Before, and during the meal, engage various people in conversation.
Eat and Drink Responsibly. Avoid arriving at a party ravenous, in an attempt to overeat or overindulge. Eating a small snack before the party might be a good idea to avoid the act of stuffing your mouth hungrily. If alcohol is offered, enjoy only a moderate amount.
Don’t Overstay Your Welcome. Leave around the same time as the other guests, since lingering for too long can exhaust a tired host. If you have the time, before leaving, offer to help clean up with simple things like clearing the table, wrapping food or sealing containers or drying dishes,
Be Sure to Say Thank You. In fact, sending a thank you note after the dinner party makes a great impression, and shows that you truly appreciate all the hard work of your host.
