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I remember so clearly a dinner party I hosted where a newer friend showed up two hours late with two uninvited guests in tow. To make matters worse, they didn\u2019t bring anything to contribute to the party. Needless to say, I never invited her to another party. I doubt she was ill-intentioned, rather, she was clueless on basic etiquette. She likely would have benefited from reading a list of what NOT TO DO during holiday gatherings and dinner parties. Here you go, you\u2019re welcome. <\/p>\n
1. Don\u2019t bring uninvited guests. <\/strong>This might seem like a no-brainer, but it\u2019s worth mentioning because it\u2019s a common mistake people make. If you\u2019re invited to a dinner party, make sure to respect the host\u2019s guest list and only bring along the people they\u2019ve specifically invited.<\/p>\n 2. Don\u2019t go to a dinner party empty-handed. <\/strong>It\u2019s always a good idea to bring something to contribute, whether it\u2019s a bottle of wine, a dessert, or a small gift. This shows appreciation for the host\u2019s efforts and helps to make the party more enjoyable for everyone.<\/p>\n 3. Don\u2019t show up more than 30 minutes late <\/strong>for a sit-down dinner. While it\u2019s okay to be a little bit late, try to arrive within 15-30 minutes of the stated start time. This gives the host time to get everything ready and ensures that the dinner doesn\u2019t get off to a late start.<\/p>\n 4. Don\u2019t bring up highly sensitive or personal topics<\/strong> at a group dinner. It\u2019s important to be respectful of others\u2019 boundaries and to keep the conversation light and enjoyable for everyone. Avoid bringing up controversial topics or asking inappropriate questions.<\/p>\n 5. Don\u2019t ask about someone\u2019s relationship status<\/strong> or when they\u2019re going to have kids. These types of questions can be intrusive and uncomfortable for some people. Instead, focus on getting to know people on a more general level and finding common interests.<\/p>\n 6. Don\u2019t stay past your welcome.<\/strong> It\u2019s important to be gracious and thank your host for their hospitality, but it\u2019s also important to know when it\u2019s time to go. Don\u2019t linger too long or overstay your welcome.<\/p>\n 7. Don\u2019t dominate the conversation.<\/strong> One way to avoid dominating the conversation is to actively listen to others and ask open-ended questions that encourage them to share more about themselves. This not only allows others to feel heard and valued, but it also helps to create a more balanced and engaging conversation for everyone involved.<\/p>\n Did I miss anything? Feel free to forward to Aunt Mary who might need an etiquette refresher.<\/p>\n