Going For A Dinner Party? Tips To Be The 'Best' Guest

While it is true, hosting a dinner and having multiple guests over is daunting, but things may not always be as hunky dory on the other side too. Especially, if you are attending a highly exclusive, premium, fine-dine fare. Just the thought of spilling a drink or a morsel of food can give you jitters. You do not want to do anything embarrassing, and that can be quite a task if you aren't aware of the proper etiquettes. 

When you accept an invitation to dine at someone's house, there's an unspoken agreement: the host commits to make you feel amazing, and you, their guest, agree to be pleasant and appreciative. Delicious times over great meals happen when both of these factors are in sync. So, what can you do to be a fantastic dinner guest? Read on. 

Don’t show up early

Although being late is often considered impolite, you should try not to show up too early and leave your hosts in an uncomfortable position, especially when they need time to finish up last-minute preparations.

Drink in limit

Indulge as you may, but try and keep a tab of those glasses. The more inebriated you are, the more are the chances of you spilling food or being loud and unpleasant when everybody else is expecting a quite dinner.  It is just the most respectable thing you can do on the table. Also, the hosts want you to reach your home safely, so drinking with caution is always a good idea

Don’t start right away

Before eating, wait until everyone at the table has been served. It's a simple rule. Waiting until everyone has been served is a kind gesture. It's also a good idea to wait until the host has taken his or her seat. After all, they've put in all the effort to put up the spread. 

Bring a gift

Never show empty-handed. It's a common courtesy to bring a bottle of wine, but you are not obligated to do so if you do not drink: A jar of jam, local honey, preserved lemons, or something little for the kitchen, such as a cheese knife or elegant wooden spoon, would all be great. 

Don’t extra guests

The saying "the more the merrier" isn't always true when it comes to dinner guests, especially when they're unaccounted for. This avoidable blunder puts your host and plus one in an unpleasant situation. Please ask first if you need to bring someone with you. When uninvited guests arrive, the host's worst nightmare becomes a possibility: running out of food.

Don’t overindulge in the kitchen

Even if your intentions are pure, entering the kitchen can feel like an invasion of your host's privacy. If food preparation is still going on, wait until dinner is served before expressing any comments or opinions. And, no matter how hungry you are, try not to create a riot. 

Make your host aware of your food allergies before the time

It is unavoidable. As you respectfully decline dishes you know your body can't handle, allergies or preferences are going to surface. Let your host know ahead of time if you have a food allergy. Nothing is more frustrating than having someone arrive and not being able to eat anything. Most hosts would gladly accommodate allergies and preferences if you let them know ahead of time.

Compliment

Someone either went to great lengths to make the meal or paid a large sum to a caterer. They'll be looking for good feedback. Only a few people are upset by compliments so why not give them a compliment or two for their services.

Avoid your phone

Don't check Facebook or Instagram; don't read through your email; don't text someone beneath the table, you're hiding the phone, but you're also looking down at your hands for a good three minutes, and it's obvious and distracting. If you have an emergency and need to respond right away, excuse yourself and do so away from the table. (The restroom is a good excuse).