If you are invited to spend Thanksgiving at someone else’s house then you’re giving thanks for the fact that you don’t have to cook. We’re going to spend it with my in-laws’ for Thanksgiving dinner this year. That means you can sit back and relax and enjoy the parade. Oh, but let’s not forget these essential house guests etiquette which will help you navigate the night graciously.
The problem with going to another person’s house for the holidays is that you need to act accordingly. If you do the wrong things at the wrong times, you’ll earn yourself a reputation. The good news is this post is going to save your turkey by teaching you the four things you should always do.
Reply ASAP
One of the worst things about being a host is the unknown. You don’t know if the food is going to cook on time, if there is going to be a power outage, or when the first argument will break out. So, there is no need to add “I don’t know who’s coming” to the list. As you’re not the host, it’s on you to RSVP as early as you can to avoid pushing their blood pressure further through the roof. Once you have made a decision, then pick up the phone or send a quick text message. It only takes a minute.
Be On Time
The host is trying to make sure everything runs like the Swiss train system, so turning up late is a faux pas. Everybody is starving and can’t wait to eat when you come bursting through the door asking “what’s for dinner?” Fashionable as it is to not be on time, it’s also disrespectful which means you should aim to be punctual. For those that don’t want to turn up to the second, ask when dinner will be served and aim for fifteen to twenty minutes before. Then, there’s no waiting around.
Bring A Gift
A present is a sign of your appreciation. Plus, the right one might make the evening go a little smoother. After all, no one can say no to a glass of finely-aged red wine. Food is also another good gift to bring along, but be sure to ask in advance. There’s nothing worse than trying to find space – on the table and in your stomach – for extra food and drink. Now from Better Life there are winter wishes kits if you don’t want to be generic. Some might say it’s rude to bring cleaning supplies, but they’ll thank you afterwards once it cuts through the grease in the oven.
Offer To Help
There are never enough hands-on Thanksgiving Day, so it’s uncouth to sit on the sofa and watch TV. Anyway, the food will cook quicker if it’s prepared faster. For the most part, the host might not want anybody to get involved because they’ll have a routine. Still, it’s important to look as if you’re willing to help peel potatoes for appearances’ sake.
And there you have it, the house guests etiquette rules which will keep you on the right side of the host this year.
Image via Vogue
