Don't Be a Turkey: Mind Your Thanksgiving Manners

Big dinners don't come often for me (we're not a fancy family as a whole). So a brush-up on basic etiquette for gatherings like Thanksgiving is nice every once in a while. Here are a few tips I learned—or was glad to be reminded:

• Dress considerately: Show you appreciate your hosts' efforts by showing up in something better than sweats (surely there are elastic waistbands in other styles?)
• Simple hostess gifts are a great idea
• Greet people warmly and by name
• Arrive and leave on time
• Pass serving dishes to the right; pass salt and pepper shakers together
• Don't begin eating until all have been served
• The host officially ends a meal by placing his/her napkin to the left of place setting and rising
• You're done when the host is done
• Help with clean-up: Just jump in and do a bit. Many hands make light work and your host deserves the help!
• Say thank you (whether you're the guest or the host)

With thanks to these great articles:

http://bit.ly/tC29D1

http://bit.ly/rX7vx2

Any manners you appreciate most?

Party Etiquette: Things to Remember

Saw this handy article about party etiquette basics. The tips aren't new, but they do serve as good reminders. (That faux pas she mentions about the opera music? Been there, done that. Ouch.)

With party season upon us, happy holiday planning!