How to Be A Good Guest at Thanksgiving Or Any Other Time
1. When you get an invitation, R.S.V.P.
2. Arrive 10-15 minutes after the invitation time (but no
later). This gives your host and/or hostess those last few
minutes to prepare.
3. Check and see if children are invited. If they aren't, don't
bring yours. Nor should you expect your host and hostess to
solve the babysitter dilemma for you.
4. Don't arrive empty-handed. A bottle of wine, a bouquet of
flowers, a packet of printed cocktail napkins, a little
inspirational book ...
5. Offer to help in the kitchen, offer to help with the dishes.
You may be told "no," but at least you asked.
6. Participate! It's up to you to make it a party. Talk to
someone who's alone, mix and mingle, make good conversation,
make it a point to talk with everyone there at some point, do
your part.
7. Don't overstay your welcome -- no matter how much you're
enjoying yourself. Use your intuition. You may've been told 2-5,
or just "come around 8", but your host and/or hostess will give
off nonverbal signals when it's time for you to go home. Why
leave? You had a nap, got your nails done, watched the football
game. They've been cooking and cleaning for days.
8. Pitch in in an unobtrusive way. Empty some ash trays, clear
off the coffee table of used dishes, whisk your hosts' kid off
to the bathroom, pass around a plate of hot hors d'oeuvres.
9. Say good-bye. Even if it's a large gathering, seek out the
host and/or hostess and tell them good bye, and thank them!
10. Send a written thank-you note afterwards. It's just a nice
thing to do!