Try to forget the words of Miss Piggy whenever you find yourself at a friendly get together. She is quoted as having said: “Never eat more than you can lift.” These words defy fatal social repercussions. Instead of minding “Ps” and Qs” (whatever they are anyway), consider these politically correct, although neither right nor left thoughts, about dipping and such whenever they let you out in polite society.
When dipping, always rescue a broken chip with a spoon. Do not use your fingers or toes just because they are convenient. Instead of hogging the bowl, spoon some dip onto your plate and then move away and slurp to your heart’s content. Never, ever double dip and always eat from your own plate. The following may rhyme, but it’s still true: don’t drip the dip. If you are a smoker attending a party, unless it is a cigar convention, smoke outside. Even if you see someone else smoking, ask the host or hostess if they mind before you light up.
Guest bathroom etiquette is a bit more subtle as chances are, no one will ever see you enter, do your damage and leave. Thus, you can get away with numerous faux pas, boo-boos. Still, you shouldn’t do it because you are in someone else’s home, and how did your mother raise you anyway? (Even Ma Barker’s sons had manners, I think.) Leave the bathroom orderly: straighten towels, tissue up hair and splatters and don’t ever forget to flush. The time to practice water conservation is not at the party hour. If you break or damage something, tell the host or hostess and offer to replace it.
Offer to be a designated driver if you are a non-drinker and you see that someone has had a bit too much. That kind of thing is always appreciated. Call the next day and compliment the host on something specific that you enjoyed. Morning after praise is worth its weight in gold.
Follow the above-mentioned advice and you are sure to get invited again. If you don’t, the next time YOU have a party, it may become as Yogi Bera once said, “deja-vue all over again.”
Related Reading:
http://forums.families.com/easy-party-ideas,t36833
“The Guest Bathroom: Scary Stuff”