Hey, y'all! My name is Isabella, and I’m a college student learning how to navigate adulthood right alongside you!! Today, I will help you with the best etiquette and help you be the most well-mannered houseguest for the holiday season!
Have you ever been invited to someone’s house for the holidays or dinner and not genuinely known the etiquette you should follow? I am here to help you! Keep reading to learn what to do before, during, and after someone hosts you for the holidays!
BEFORE
Never show up empty-handed.
Always plan something to bring whenever you are invited to someone's house for any meal or event or to stay in their home.
It doesn’t have to be complicated! If you were invited to a meal, consider bringing a bottle of wine if you are of age or bringing a dessert or another dish. If you bring some kind of food, let your hostess know in advance!
There are plenty of options to bring your hostess besides food or drink, such as a plant or flowers, a tea towel, or a candle. Be sure to check out my article HERE for unique and affordable hostess gift ideas.
RSVP promptly
Try not to tell your host “you don’t know”. This makes it very difficult to figure out portion sizes, seating, sleep arrangements, etc. Be sure to give them a definitive yes or no.
Offer to help prepare
This is pretty much in the scenario of a meal because you can offer to bring any kind of dessert or entree to make it easier on the host
However, be sure to actually ask the host. It can be misconstrued that it is helpful to bring anything random but ensure yo let the host know so they dod not accidentally prepare two of the same item for example.
Additionally, if your host says they don’t need any help then take no for an answer! Chances are you host just wants you to feel welcomed and enjoy yourself.
Dress appropriately
Be respectful in all of your mannerisms but also what you are wearing.
By this I mean simply do not show up in sweatpants to an event that is supposed to be a nice but casual get together, additionally, dont wear jeans to an event that is meant to be sophisticated and formal.
If you are unsure of what to wear don’t be afraid to ask your host.
DURING
Greet your host!
We are starting with the basics. Greet your host warmly and express your appreciation for them having you over.
Simple but it will be the first thing your host notoicies about you! Consider offering a sincere compliment if you feel like it.
Mind your etiquette
Be conscious of your manners in general throughout your time at others houses.
A few things to keep in mind are, always say please and thank you. Use coasters or napkins when putting your drink down on the table. Put your napkin in your lap right when you sit at the table.
I took an etiquette class in middle school which taught me all kind of manners like this and more. Consider a class like this or simply do research online since there are so many resources out there now.
Be engaging, don't follow the host around, meet others.
The host is obviuosly happy to have you there since they invited you; however, make sure you are not following them around since they will most likely be hosting others, too.
Meet new people, introduce yourself, make it interesting and engaging.
Offer to help serve
Again, offering to help is always polite. Consider offering to help the host put ice in cups, serve the food, etc.
Offer, offer, offer! It’s just good manners.
Compliment the host
Whether this is complementing the food or decor or house or thoughtfulness make sure it is a genuine compliment.
Use polite table manners
Use your best manners, consider doing research on basic manners to be able to execute these.
Chew with your mouth closed, don’t speak with food in your mouth, and pass dishes politely, always pass the salt with the pepper.
Limit phone usage
Keep phone usage to a minimum, and avoid texting or scrolling during meals. Focus on the people around you and be present!
AFTER
Offer to help clean up
I truly never hurts to offer, and it is better to over offer than under offer.
If you haven’t noticed, offering to help is a big thing! This is a gesture of thoughtfulness and appreciativeness. It can easily be forgotten but it goes a long way.
Express gratitude
The host most likely worked so hard planning your event, orchestrating the attendees, and spent money on it.
Everyone wants to be praised once in a while, just a few quick kind words is perfect.
Consider sending a thank you note after
I am a firm believer that thank you notes are still the most thoughtful and appropriate way to truly express thanks in those scenarios where saying thank you in person is just not enough.
Taking the time to write a thank you note will not take very long however it shows you were willing to sacrifice the time to formally express your appreciation.
This is somethin our generation takes lightly but the older generation think so foundly of.
Share positive feedback
Mention specific dishes you enjoyed to show genuine appreciation for the effort they put in.
Think of a sincere compliment, it doesn;t neeed to be extensive just be kind.
I hope you feel prepared for all of your future outings! Don’t overthink it simply maintain you best manners.
With Love,
Isabella XO
