Bonus Holiday Help Post: How to be a good Dinner Party Guest

The Holidays are great, because when done correctly there is alot of gathering around the dinner table over good food (hopefully good wine), and even better company.

So, let's review how to start off (and end) the evening on a good note.

What should you bring?

Basic rule, you always bring something.  You can call the the host/hostess and ask what you should bring, but my guess that you will hear something to the effect of  'just bring yourself' (or at least that is what you should hear).  So ideas on what to bring...

• Wine (white is always a good choice), not too expensive, not $3 buck chuck
• Booze, does the host/hostess like a particular drink (think scotch, brandy)
• Flowers, seasonal in color, they don't need to be in a vase (but that would be nice)
• Something sweet, pie is a very good choice (especially this time of year) because you can never have too much pie - think non-traditional, they will have pumpkin, cherry, something like that, I always go with coconut cream, because it is so good...

What should you wear?

Especially, this time of year, it is important to be comfortable, but respectable.  Nice khaki pants and sweater (for women and men) and always a good choice, maybe a nice dress shirt or blouse.  One more piece of advice?  Avoid wearing anything white, trust me.

After Dinner...

This is easy, offer to help clear the table, help with the dishes, or carry the coffee and desserts to the table.

What to do about leftovers?

First of all, do not ask for leftovers, but if they are offered, it is perfectly acceptable to say yes.  If you brought a dish, ask the host/hostess if they have another plate that you could transfer the leftovers to (this will probably be met with a 'please take them home').

Conversation....

Topics to avoid.  Politics and Religion.  Everything else is fair game.

Relax and Enjoy....Remember to watch your fluid intake (or appoint a designated driver!)...and never out stay your welcome!

~Cyn