Dos and don’ts of dinner party behaviour
Dinner parties around the early 90s were a sight to be hold.
The hostess took pride in her table setting, the food, the wine and even the fresh cut flowers which would be displayed in the dining room. She would select the tempo of her music to accommodate the ambience as the ladies back then knew that setting the theme and tone of any dinner party and were crucial to the occasion. The guests were on their best behaviour as they took in everything the host would say and do.
These days, the people of the 21st century are a little bit different when it comes to dinner party behaviour. We could say the atmosphere is more relaxed now, and not as stern as it was back then, but there is one thing that should not change – guest etiquette.
Table etiquette – old but gold
There is a certain degree of diplomacy when it comes to the host’s choice of food and wine. If the host’s selection of food and wine are in poor taste, by all means do not offer your criticism. If you are unable to pay any compliments, then remain silent on the subject. No matter how familiar you are with your host, do not put your feet up on any of the dining room furniture. Every hosts wants their guest to feel comfortable, but that kind of behaviour is a bit over board.
Upon serving meals
Good table etiquette is to serve the lady to the right of the host first, and then the rest of the ladies in a clockwise direction, then serve the gentlemen. Under no circumstances should you reach across the table crossing other guests to reach food, wine or condiments. It is impolite and you should instead ask a guest sitting nearby to pass the item to you.
Dinner parties are a sociable occasion; they are not purely intended to be about the food only. Make polite conversation with those around you. If bickering between two guests arise, address them in another room away from the other guests. The last thing any host wants is for their evening to be ruined by petty squabbles.
Paying attention to these simple rules should ensure you are the perfect guest or host. Plan your next dinner party soon and give these tips a try!