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How to Be the Best Guest

 women with wine

You’ve just been invited to a dinner party from a new neighbor’s home.  Undoubtedly you want to make a good impression.  It would be great to be on everyone’s guest list.  So, how do the best guests behave?  Read on to find out.

Thank The Host

As soon as you receive the invitation, thank the host, and offer to bring something.

Take a hostess gift.  It may be a bottle of wine, flowers, or even a small box of chocolate. 

You've Arrived.  Now What?

Do not bring food except for a box of candy—or something similar—as a gift. 

If you have offered to bring something and the host has agreed, then this is fine.  But typically, the host has the party menu planned and won’t have room for your contribution. 

Arrive at the stated time or no more than fifteen minutes after.  

Do not drink too much or bore everyone by dominating the conversation. 

How to Know When it's Time to Leave?

Leave the party when the host signals it is the end of the evening. 

Usually this is a subtle gesture, such as offering coffee so your drive is easier, or asking what you plan to do tomorrow (a direct statement indicating that the evening is over). 

When guests don’t recognize the subtle message, the host will begin to pick up a few items, which means that they would like to clean up.  

Typically, if there are no games or any other diversions after dinner, one hour is sufficient. 

More by The Polite One

5 Rules Great Guests Follow

Inviting, Planning, and Sending Guests Out the Door

What is the Etiquette for Today's Woman?

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