Social blunders are different than other kinds. That’s because they have endless repercussions, like waves crashing against the shore of friendship and acquaintanceship. Unlike leaving your keys in the salad or your passport in your socks, these boo-boos are enduring and they are true indications of what can only be called “comatose inconsideration.” Hosts and hostesses have rather long memories, and aren’t likely to forget a guest who forgot to mention they were vegetarian or allergic to specific foods when invited over to dinner. It’s impolite; plain and simply put.
Don’t forget to show up for dinner. It once happened to me that five minutes before a guest was due to arrive, she called me to say: “Something came up.” Her argument was that the food wouldn’t go to waste. Maybe it didn’t, but that’s not the point. Don’t do that and this means YOU. It’s rude to the Nth degree and inconsiderate as well. A 19th century book on polite society written by ward McAllister states very clearly: “A dinner invitation, once accepted, is a sacred obligation. If you die before the dinner takes place, your executor must attend the dinner.”
Never ask if something is made from scratch. The answer could be embarrassing for the host or hostess and really isn’t your business. Add your own personal touch to the dinner company. Tell a joke, listen to a story or tell an interesting one yourself. In other words, sing for your supper. According to William Hazlitt, “Wit is the salt of conversation and not the food.”
Praise the cook and break the bread. Cooking is a creative effort that requires and deserves accolades. Forget about slicing and dicing those rolls with a knife. Tear off small chunks by hand and butter them over the bread plate, not the dinner dish.
Know your cue and this means YOU too. The best time to leave is about forty-five minutes after dessert or when you see the host or hostess yawning. Don’t wait until you hear snoring or someone falls off the edge of the living room sofa. Leave gracefully and you will be invited again.
Be a polite and considerate dinner guest. Your efforts will be appreciated in unexpected ways.
Related Reading:
http://forums.families.com/easy-party-ideas,t36833
“The Guest Bathroom: Scary Stuff”