Martha Stewart is the go-to person when it comes to learning about manners. She knows the proper way to act in every situation. Follow her tips to become the perfect dinner guest. Everyone will be impressed by you and how polite you are.
Gifts are a must
We’ve all been invited to at least one party where the host requests no gifts. While we’d usually abide by the rules, we’re often confused if the host means it as a courtesy or dislikes gifts.
Martha Stewart has faced such vague requests several times. Her response is simple: take the gift unless the host explicitly says no. The unexpected gift can play out as a gesture of gratitude.
The thought counts
Martha Stewart likes to give her hosts gifts even if they aren’t expecting anything. According to Stewart, a general appreciation or a kind gesture goes a long way and appeases the unexpecting host.
You don’t have to gift anything extravagant; the thought counts, so a simple gift can be helpful, too. In fact, Martha has gifted farm fresh eggs from her poultry several times, a gift that is easy, meaningful, and useful.
Ask the host
If your host left you with a vague response and you’re unsure if they genuinely want a gift, the best approach is to confirm with them. This simple communication step has saved Martha countless times and will save you, too.
You can even ask the host if you can bring anything to help with the dinner party. Most hosts will openly share their preferences so that you can choose a suitable item to bring. Some might even refer you to a specific store, preventing stress-free shopping.
Compliment the dinner
Every host spends hours preparing the dinner, but their efforts often go unnoticed. Unfortunately, most dinner hosts go unappreciated, but we can easily change that with a few words of appreciation.
Martha loves complimenting the host's dinner. Naturally, such warm regards feel comforting, especially from a culinary icon. But we can share Martha’s sentiments with our hosts by encouraging their culinary skills and complimenting dinner.
Stay respectful
Most dinner party hosts want to keep a specific impression throughout the event. We might see close friends act or behave differently. It’s important to remember everyone acts differently with close friends, so don’t make your host uncomfortable.
Ensure you stick to the host’s rules and abide by their requests. Don’t bother the host with unnecessary questions or bring up inappropriate topics. Instead, try to listen to their conversation and pay attention to stay respectful and polite.
Respect boundaries
Most of us assume being invited to a dinner party means we can hang out with the host and our friends or family members. While this is partially true, it’s important to remember to ask if your host needs help and partake in making the dinner go smoothly.
You can ask the host to guide you about the dos and don’ts so you can prevent the party from falling apart. Most hosts appreciate it if you respect their boundaries, even if it’s as simple as bringing or not bringing the gift.
Pricier isn’t always better
Wine is one of the most common and feasible dinner party gifts. While we’d like to impress our host by taking a bottle of cabernet, a pricey wine isn’t always the best. You’ll be much safer if you ask the host for their preference. Ask if you can pick up a specific wine to complement the dinner. The host will appreciate the offer and your attention to detail.
Appreciate the hosting
Appreciating the hosts' culinary skills isn’t enough because most dinner parties aren’t planned on a whim. Your host probably spent weeks planning and preparing for the dinner, a feat not everyone can achieve.
Martha Stewart encourages complimenting the hosts’ efforts and appreciating the event. You can express gratitude for being invited and included in the event; such a simple gesture gives a great impression.
Know the limits
A dinner party isn’t an invitation to unlimited fun. Before you get confused, allow Martha Stewart to explain. You can have as much fun as you want if you’re not bothering your host.
Don’t overstay your welcome; recognize when it’s time to leave, even if the party continues. Your host will appreciate your action and take it as a kind gesture. To them, a guest leaving on time is one of the most underrated gifts.
Non-materialistic gifts
Martha Stewart is one of the most financially comfortable culinary icons, so her gifts to festive dinner parties reflect her financial status. But she doesn’t gift lavishly unless the event calls for it.
Martha Stewart believes that gifts can be emotional and practical. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to appease your guests; the best approach is to get them something they’ll use and appreciate.
Communication is key
Arranging a dinner party is hectic and can lead to better communication. Most guests leave out details or forget to RSVP when invited, which can lead to an anxiety-inducing vagueness in hosts.
It’s best to follow up with your host and ensure they know your RSVP’d. Let your host know of any changes in plans and anything that affects your arrival; it’s best to communicate with the host to prevent stress.
Address confusion
Address any confusion that may lead to miscommunication at the party. Ensure you’re honest about your plans and try to get a clearer picture from the host so that you won’t cause any problems. A low-maintenance guest is always the best!
This article was inspired by Yahoo and was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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