6 Tips on being a Gracious Guest

Being a Gracious GuestIt’s that time of year for holiday celebrations, from family get-togethers to Christmas Dinner. When you are invited to a dinner party, remember the huge amount of work that goes into cooking and preparing.  These occasions are a big deal for the host/hostess so it a great idea, and a thoughtful idea, if you make the little extra effort to be a great guest.

Here are some tips for the next time you are invited to a dinner party:

  1. Respond as quickly as possible to the invitation.  If you are very late to respond, it gives the impression that you’re not excited to attend.
  2. Always ask what you can bring to help.  Don’t worry if you’re asked to bring something that you are not comfortable making.  You can certainly pick up a beautiful cake, a great salad or other contribution if asked.  If you are a cook and love to make it yourself, even better.
  3. Arrive on time!  This is especially true if you are bringing an appetizer or food contribution that will be needed at the start of the event.  If you know you will be late for some reason, ask if you can drop off the item you are bringing earlier in the day if that’s convenient for the host.
  4. If you offer to bring something and are told that nothing is needed, still bring a hostess gift.  Consider some gorgeous pastries or muffins for their breakfast the next morning, flowers already in a vase or a plant that doesn’t need a lot of care (like an orchid). If you are interested in bringing something more memorable, order a personalized hostess gift.  Gifts such as a personalized candle, notepad set, printed cocktail napkins or custom monogrammed coasters will really be remembered.
  5. Try to help where you can throughout the evening.  Bring some dishes into the kitchen after each course and offer to help put away food.  When the dinner is over, help clean up, fold up chairs as needed, clearing everything off the table and so forth (with a smile on your face).
  6. And follow up with a written thank you note to let your host/hostess know how much you enjoyed the event, the meal and spending time with everyone.

Happy holidays,

Renee