When invited into somebody else’s home, a certain level of decorum and respect is always expected, particularly when it comes to formal dinner parties. Even if a social gathering is relatively casual, the importance of being a good guest cannot be overstated. After all, your behaviour while in the company of others speaks volumes about your values and morals as an individual. But what exactly is expected of you as a house guest? If you’ve been invited to a dinner party with friends, family or colleagues, consider the following tips to guarantee a successful and memorable evening.
Arrive On Time
Although we are often advised to arrive “fashionably late” to parties and social gatherings, lateness can also be considered rude. Being respectful of your host’s time reflects how you feel about them as a person. While lateness sometimes cannot be avoided due to traffic complications and emergencies, it is always worth planning ahead to ensure you arrive at the prearranged time. If you suspect you may be delayed, be sure to inform your host in advance.
Bring A Gift
Arriving at a dinner party empty-handed is generally considered a faux pas. A small token of gratitude, such as a bottle of wine or a floral bouquet, demonstrates your appreciation for being invited. You don’t need to spend a fortune – in fact, something personal and rustic, such as homemade jam or chutney, would be decidedly more meaningful. Either way, forgetting to bring a gift may brand you as ungrateful or inconsiderate, so remember to grab something before you leave the house.
Put Your Phone Down
There is nothing more irritating than a dinner guest who refuses to put their phone down. While there is nothing wrong with keeping your smartphone on hand in case of a family emergency or unexpected work call, being glued to your screen while sitting at the dinner table is an enormous sign of disrespect towards your host and fellow diners. Many friend groups have a “no phones” rule whilst dining out, whereby the first person to touch their phone has to pay for the meal, so consider implementing something similar.
Keep The Conversation Flowing
Nobody wants to attend an awkwardly silent dinner party. However, the art of conversation isn’t something everybody is naturally gifted in. That said, there are many simple tricks and tips you can implement to be an excellent conversationalist, such as actively listening, asking open-ended questions and being generally respectful. Avoid interrupting and talking excessively about yourself – unless requested, of course. Instead, be courteous and focus your attention on getting to know your fellow diners.
Don’t Drink Too Much
While the dinner party you are attending may have a seemingly endless supply of craft ale, Portuguese wine or expertly-mixed cocktails, a little self-restraint is never a bad thing. The drinks may be flowing, but you’ll soon regret having more than you can handle. Know your limits, and don’t hesitate to ask for something non-alcoholic, such as water or soda, if needed. That said, if your host has paired their courses with exquisite wine, embrace the variety and enjoy the enhanced dining experience.
Compliment The Host
If you’re enjoying your evening, including the food, company and ambience, make it known. Every host wants their guests to relax and have a pleasant experience, so positive feedback is always welcomed. Keep in mind that your host has likely put a lot of time and effort into making the evening a success, so acknowledgement from you and your fellow guests will mean a lot. If the food doesn’t necessarily meet your expectations, avoid voicing your criticism unless your host asks for your honest opinion. Even then, tact and politeness are required to prevent hurt feelings.
Offer Help
It is always polite to offer a helping hand as a guest in somebody else’s home. Your host may insist on doing everything themselves, but offering to help with the washing up is a kind gesture that won’t go unnoticed. Hosting a dinner party can be an overwhelming endeavour, so recognising ways to make your host’s job that little bit easier will make you the perfect guest. That said, if your host declines your offer of assistance, respect their wishes and don’t force them to accept.
Suitcase Publications 