Guest Tips
Be the Best Guest
Be the kind of guest who gets invited back! Follow these etiquette standards whenever you’re an honored guest—whether at a small gathering or for a weekend.
- If you have received an invitation requesting you RSVP, do so promptly. Honor “regrets only” as promptly as “I’d love to.”
- Don’t say yes to an invitation unless you intend to follow through. If you accept an invitation, show up!
- Never ask if you can bring someone unless that option is clearly stated by the host. If you have plans with someone else, decline the invitation and say why. Wait to see if the host offers to let you bring the person.
- “What can I bring?” is too open-ended a question and puts the host on the spot. Instead, offer something specific such as “I’ll bring an appetizer.”
- Never arrive empty-handed. Even the simplest host gift, such as a package of festive paper cocktail napkins, is a must.
- If you bring a dish to share, bring the serving dishes and utensils required so your host doesn’t have to dig for another serving spoon or oversize bowl at the last minute.
- When you see something that needs doing—such as refilling the ice bucket—go ahead and take care of it.
- Don’t hone in on a host’s territory if they’re clearly on a roll in the kitchen. Ask ahead of time if there’s anything you can do. Otherwise, stay out of the way.
- Don’t forget the thank-you note! A note sent via mail is a somewhat outdated, though traditional, approach. A phone call or e-mail is acceptable, too. One way or another, acknowledge the host’s hospitality.
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