This time of year, your social calendar is probably full of dinner party requests from your company, bunco group, mom’s group… Everyone is a festive mood.
Before you send in your RSVP, consider these suggestions for how to be the perfect dinner party guest.
#1. DO RSVP. Your host is working hard to create the perfect event for you, complete with enough seating and food for everyone in attendance. Do her the courtesy of letting her know that you are planning on attending (or that you can’t make it) so that she can be as accurate with her headcount as possible.
#2. Let your host know if you have any food allergies or aversions. Trust me, she wants to know this! There is nothing more awkward than a host slaving over creating the perfect menu only to find out that one or more of her guests can’t enjoy the food because of food allergies.
#3. Bring a thoughtful gift. This doesn’t have to be something expensive. It can be something as simple as her favorite bottle of wine wrapped in a decorative dish towel and tied with a pretty ribbon.
#4. Arrive at the party on time. You don’t want to be the reason that guests aren’t able to eat on time, and you certainly don’t want to be the reason the chef’s dish is served cold!
#5. Bring your winning personality and smile. The magic of a dinner party is the interaction between guests, so leave your cares and concerns at the door. Share your smile and (appropriate) anecdotes frequently.
#6. Thank your host as you are leaving and send a hand-written note within 48 hours after the party. Imagine the smile on your hosts face when she opens her mailbox to see your note buried in the pile of bills and junk mail!
