For the guests
Q: I’ve got a new beau for the holidays, is it okay to bring a ‘plus 1’ with me after I already sent a solo RSVP? Certainly if the invite said plus one initially.
Q: I’ve been invited to a party I really don’t want to go to, how long do I really have to stay? Either send your regrets in advance or stay long enough to be polite. Let your host
know ahead of time that you will be leaving early.
Q: Elbows on the table or elbows off? When is it okay to lean? Elbows are okay on the table in between courses or when there is no food in front of you. All leaning will do is make
you fall backwards and break something.
Q: What if I’m allergic to the what the host is serving (or I just plain old don’t like it)? A thoughtful host will ask ahead of time if anyone has food allergies. If, however, you
suspect what you’re about to eat will make you sick, by all means tell your host. Better safe than sorry.
Q: I don’t drink alcohol and when I feel awkward when I decline and others start asking why I’m not drinking. How can I respond to them when they give me that look that means they think I’m
hiding something? No explanation necessary. Simply have the beverage poured for balance at the table. If a toast if offered hold up your glass and pretend to drink!
Q: Is it okay to propose a toast, even if the hostess didn’t ask me to? The toast of welcome is normally done by the host, but if the event is informal, by all means. How nice of
you to thank your host.
Q: Do I need to bring a hostess gift with me? And what the heck is a hostess gift anyway? A hostess gift is a gift that you give the hostess to show appreciation for their hard
work and generosity. While hostess gifts are never mandatory, showing up empty handed is in poor taste.
Q: Is it okay to wear jeans to a formal dinner party? If the invite does not state the dress code, ask your host ahead of time so you’re not the only one in jeans when all the
other guests are in evening gowns and tuxedos.
Q: There are a bazillion forks, spoons and plates in front of me. Which set is mine and what are they all for? Forks on the left, knives and spoons on the right. The fork courses
will include salad, the main course and dessert. The spoon will be for soup and the knives for salad and the main course. Remember to work from out to in for each course. When in doubt, look at the
person across the table from you.
Q: My hostess assigned seating for dinner, but I really can’t stand my seat partner. Is it okay to swap the place cards around a bit so I can sit by Mr. Dream Boat instead of Chatty
Kathy? Would you want your guests to swap cards at your party? Probably not. Think the Golden Rule.
Leave a Comment