Want to be the perfect holiday host or guest? Follow these tips on etiquette and
entertaining, and your dinner companions are sure to be thankful.
If you are the host...
Plan to provide a traditional Thanksgiving feast, then be creative with side
dishes.
Whenever anyone offers to help or bring a dish, say, "Yes, thank
you!"
Use hollowed bread loaves for charming serving containers for cheeses, dips,
olives, chips and small sandwiches.
Once the table settings and centerpiece are in place, sit in each chair to
make sure each guest will feel comfortable.
Include favorite kids foods, especially those they can eat neatly with
their fingers.
Provide at least one low-calorie dish and a vegetarian option. Then serve a
sinful dessert.
Completely clear the table of all dishes from previous courses before
serving dessert.
Fill the sink with soapy water so cutlery and small dishes can soak clean as
the guests are finishing.
Make it easy for guests who help you clean up to help you recycle. Place
bins in the kitchen labeled "glass," "cans" and "trash."
Keep club soda nearby to clean spots or stains on the tablecloth or
clothing.
If you are a guest...
Arrive no earlier than the time the host has announced and no later than
half an hour after the time.
Plan to stay about an hour after dinner unless travel plans or sleepy
children necessitate leaving earlier.
Bring a gift and write a note of thanks afterward.
Offer to help set up for dinner and to clean afterward.
Notify the host of any special dietary needs -- if you are a vegetarian,
diabetic or allergic to common foods. You can tell the host how to prepare a
dish you can eat, or even better, offer to bring that dish yourself.
If youre going to a potluck Thanksgiving, bring a serving dish with your
contribution. Remember, the best potluck dishes are those that need minimal
preparation in the hosts kitchen, can be served at room temperature and require
only a fork to eat.
