When entering someone else's home, we must not forget about the rules of etiquette. And it does not matter who invited us to dinner: close people, a boss or new acquaintances.
Always strictly follow these 7 points if you don’t want to be known as an ill-mannered and impudent guest.
1. Do you want to bring your child or significant other? But the hosts of the party invited only you? Be sure to ask if they would mind having a second guest.
You need to explain to your friends that you cannot leave your child unattended or show up without a jealous significant other. Once you get the consent of the hostess, you can safely take your loved one with you.
Only uncultured and impudent guests bring someone else with them without warning and permission. Children and legal spouses are no exception in this situation.
2. Perhaps the hostess needs help. Offer her your services politely. The woman will be pleased.
She claims she can handle it on her own? Then don't object or insist. You need approval to bring snacks to the table or clear away dirty dishes. Only impudent individuals are the boss at a party.
In a word, it is bad manners. If the hostess sees you tidying up her kitchen, she is unlikely to invite you back. She will be offended by such a gesture. Otherwise, she will tell you everything to your face and throw you out.
3. You accidentally dropped dishes on the floor or broke something. What should you do now?
First of all, apologize to the owners. Do not try to hide your guilt, it is not nice. Yes, people will be upset about the damage caused, but they will know that you are an honest and polite person who admits his mistakes.
After all, such troubles happen to many people. They can be fixed if desired.
Don't try to pay for a broken chair or a broken teapot. This action will seem improper to your friends. But a gift in the form of a brand new stool or a shiny tea set will be to the hosts' liking.
4. You absolutely loved the signature dish. Is it acceptable to ask for a second helping?
Hospitable hostesses themselves are not averse to feeding guests to the point of bursting, in order to hear a hundred compliments addressed to them. Provided that there is enough food for real culinary connoisseurs with an excellent appetite. Such a request cannot be called bad or unethical. Surely the hostess will be happy that her culinary masterpiece was appreciated.
It is possible that you will be offered dessert as well. So do not rush to overeat. It is better to ask the woman for the recipe of the dish you like.
If the number of portions is strictly limited, do not beg for food or say that you are still hungry. Other guests may think that you came only for the food. And the hosts will stop communicating with you altogether. Gluttonous guests are usually not welcomed.
5. The hostess probably doesn't know what dishes you prefer. So don't be surprised if you see foods on the table that make you sick.
Please, do not pick the greens out of chakhokhbili and do not criticize the hostess for over-peppering the stew. But most importantly, do not criticize the hosts' tastes, it is unethical.
For such liberties you can be immediately escorted from the table. You don't want that, do you? Ask the keeper of the family hearth what ingredients are included in the prepared salads and appetizers. If you don't like the dish, just don't put it on your plate.
Some products cause allergic reactions in many people (citrus fruits or peanuts, for example). Carefully ask the hostess if the menu contains the ingredient that provokes your allergy attack. Perhaps you are simply sick of exotic or fatty foods. It does not hurt to inquire in any case. This way you will avoid trouble.
6. What will the owners think of you if you come with a change of shoes? Is this acceptable?
Well-mannered guests discuss such moments. Many simply do not want to blush all evening because of ridiculous socks that do not match the festive dress or business suit.
Follow this rule – never take fluffy house slippers with you. Otherwise, you will become the subject of ridicule and unpleasant jokes.
Now, a piece of advice to hosts: don't give your guest your slippers. Firstly, it's your personal item, and secondly, the person you invite may have nail fungus. Give up this idea once and for all!
7. What topics can you talk about? Avoid topics that cause heated debates among many people. We are talking about politics, religion, civic position, taste preferences, beauty standards, subcultures, etc. An abstract conversation is much better than a serious discussion. If you start foaming at the mouth to prove your opinion, you will become known as an unpleasant and stubborn interlocutor. You don’t need a bad reputation? Then talk about pleasant things: about flowers, about the weather. Do not doubt: you will conquer everyone!
