Did your boss invite you to a holiday party at her home? Or maybe you\u2019re getting together with your future in-laws for the first time. It doesn\u2019t even have to be a high-pressure event \u2013 a friend who invites you to watch a game will appreciate simple courtesy. No matter whom your host is, behaving as a good dinner guest will leave a good impression and ensure you\u2019re invited back again!<\/p>\n
Here are just a few rules to keep in mind when you receive an invitation:<\/p>\n
Rule #1: RSVP!<\/strong> Too many people don\u2019t do it at all, and many others leave it to the last minute, and it\u2019s the height of rudeness. Getting an RSVP is important to a host or hostess because it gives them an idea of how much food, drink, chairs, and other accommodations they might need in order to entertain their guests comfortably. When your invitation comes, check at once if an RSVP is requested, and if so, when it\u2019s requested by \u2013 and then, send it out within that deadline. It will be a huge help to your hosts. And if you can, send it sooner rather than later \u2013 waiting until the last minute gives the impression that you either don\u2019t find it important or you\u2019re holding out for a better offer, and neither suggestion leaves a good impression.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/em> A citrus fruit delivery sent ahead of time is a great way to thank your hosts for their invitation to dinner!<\/p>\n Rule #2: Let your hosts know if you have food restrictions ahead of time.\u00a0<\/strong>Do this especially if your hosts ask. Try not to make your food needs too complicated for them if you can avoid it. If you can\u2019t, offer to arrange extra food so you don\u2019t put them to too much trouble. Good hosts want to take care of their guests, so if you neglect to inform them of your needs ahead of time and arrive to find there are items you can\u2019t eat, don\u2019t bring it up.<\/p>\n Tip<\/em>: Almost everyone can eat fruit! Schedule a fresh fruit delivery for yourself.<\/p>\n Rule #3: Don\u2019t be late!<\/strong> Tip<\/em>: Don\u2019t arrive early, either \u2013 you won\u2019t impress anyone doing that, because your hosts will probably still be preparing for their guests\u2019 arrival and having to entertain you will add extra stress for them.<\/p>\n Rule #4: Don\u2019t come empty-handed. <\/strong>A hostess gift is a great way to show appreciation for your invitation. It doesn\u2019t need to be large \u2013 in fact, it shouldn\u2019t be. A good hostess gift should be thoughtful but not too personal, useful, and attractive. Think about your recipient and try to choose something in keeping with them and the occasion. Whether it\u2019s a fruit gifts delivery, a bottle of good wine, or a set of coasters for their home, a nice hostess gift is a great way to say \u201cthank you\u201d and to leave a lasting impression.<\/p>\n Tip<\/em>: Don\u2019t make a big deal about presenting your gift \u2013 give it to your host or hostess as soon as you arrive, but don\u2019t expect them to open it in front of you.<\/p>\n Tip #5. Dress appropriately.<\/strong> Check the invitation carefully to see what the dress code is. If one isn\u2019t listed, ask. If you don\u2019t feel comfortable asking, skip the casual wear and dress up a bit (business casual is usually okay). You want to show your hosts respect!<\/p>\n Tip<\/em>: Remember, a good host\/hostess makes his\/her guests feel at home \u2013 but a good guest never forgets he or she isn\u2019t at home!<\/p>\n Rule #7: Watch what you say.<\/strong> It\u2019s never a good idea to assume someone thinks like you. Avoid the big topics (religion and politics, for example), and, if there are co-workers present, try not to \u201ctalk shop\u201d (unless you do it in a way that isn\u2019t exclusive to partners who may be attending the dinner with you).<\/p>\n Tip<\/em>: Try to mingle and get to know your fellow guests, too\u2026you may wind up making a new friend!<\/p>\n Rule #8: Show appreciation for everything.<\/strong> Upon your arrival, thank your hosts for having you, and admire their home and neighborhood. Compliment the meal as well \u2013 either they went to a great deal of trouble to make it themselves, or went to a great deal of expense to have it brought in.<\/p>\n Tip<\/em>: Positive feedback means a lot! Showing your appreciation even for small things is bound to make a good impression.<\/p>\n Rule #9: Don\u2019t overstay your welcome.<\/strong> If the invitation lists an end time for the party, be sure to observe it strictly. If it doesn\u2019t, watch your hosts for nonverbal cues that they\u2019re getting tired (after all, they did a lot of work to prepare for the event). If your fellow guests start leaving, you should do so as well. Being last to leave isn\u2019t always a good thing.<\/p>\n
\nIt can be a huge inconvenience not only to your hosts, but to your fellow guests as well, so plan to be on time. This is especially important for formal events where you want to make a good impression. If your boss invites you to dinner, for instance, he\u2019s not going to be think much of your time management skills if you arrive late. This may affect your career down the road. Plus, being on time shows courtesy to your hosts, who have gone to a lot of trouble to make their guests feel welcome.<\/p>\n