Holiday Dining Etiquette 101: How to Be the Best Host or Guest

Needing to know dining etiquette may seem outdated, but basic dining etiquette never goes out of style. And following holiday dining etiquette rules can really make a holiday dinner party more enjoyable for everyone attending. How? We cover that and more in this blog.

Top Holiday Dining Etiquette Rules for the Host

When acting as the host, there are a lot of things to organize and consider. Here are a few main dining etiquette rules to remember when hosting a holiday dinner party.

Let Your Guests Know What’s Happening

One thing you can do to help alleviate any worries your guests may have is to let them know what’s happening. With only minimal information, your guests may be wondering what to wear, if they should bring anything, and more.

Since the holiday season is so busy for many, letting people know if your holiday dinner party has a strict timeline can help your guests plan what they can attend and for how long. You may not be worried about these things if your guests are a close-knit group, but thinking through the evening and letting people know what to expect is always appreciated.

Seating

If you’re hosting a small dinner party, guests can seat themselves. If you’re hosting more than eight guests, prepare to offer some guidance. When making a seating chart, think about who is sitting next to who. Place more outgoing individuals next to others who may need help starting a conversation as seating arrangements can make or break a dinner party.

Setting the Table

Your dining room furniture is going to be the main focus of a holiday dinner party, so setting it up just right can be just as nerve wracking as knowing which utensil to use. Forks are usually on the left side of the plate, and each is paired with a knife that is placed on the right side of the plate. A soup spoon is placed to the right of the knives. The bread plate is always on the left and drinks are always on the right.

The Pioneer Woman breaks down how to set a table even more, from a basic place setting to a formal place setting. And speaking of setting the table, since the highlight of your holiday dinner party is the food and time spent together, break out the good china to let guests know you appreciate the time you’re all spending together.

Setting the Atmosphere

The atmosphere is just as important as the food you serve. Some key ways to set the perfect environment is to play soft music in the background, light some candles for ambiance, and encourage your guests to mingle. Introduce them to one another if they haven’t met before and include guests into a variety of conversations. Though steer clear from topics that can quickly become heated.

Top Holiday Dining Etiquette Rules for the Guest

Holiday parties can be just as stressful for a guest as they are for the host. Make your best impression with these tips and tricks.

What to Bring as a Guest

This may be one of the most stressful aspects of being a guest at a dinner party. You don’t want to show up empty handed, but you don’t want to bring anything that will clash with what’s being served. If the dinner party isn’t a potluck, opt for a gift for the host. Wine is often a go-to gift for hosts, but if you know them, put a little thought into the gift and make it more personal (unless they just really love wine).

Table Manners

Table manners are the main thing people think of when considering dining etiquette. While most people are concerned about when to use which fork, don’t forget the basics: chew with your mouth closed, bring the food to your face and not your face to the food, and ask for food to be passed rather than reaching for it.

If you are concerned about the extra utensils and plates that appear during a dinner party, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with that too. Eat from the outside in. Once you’ve picked up your silverware, don’t lay it on the table again. When you are finished with your plate, place your fork with the tines up and your knife facing toward the fork. This signals you are done with your meal.

Mingle, Mingle, Mingle

Knowing you have to make small talk with people can be anxiety-inducing. Just remember to take it one conversation at a time. When talking with others, ask open ended questions that help keep the conversation flowing rather than questions that can be answered with one word answers. And if you see someone on the fringes of the party, try to include them to help everyone feel more at ease.

Don’t Forget the Host

While you’re meant to enjoy the dinner party, don’t forget about the host and helping them to enjoy the dinner party as well. If they’re hosting the holiday dinner party at their home, bring a small gift. Offer to help clean up before you leave. Though they may not take you up on your offer, they will remember you were willing to help and appreciate the gesture.

Other Dining Etiquette Tips to Know

Be Polite

Whether you’re the guest or the host, be polite! Saying ‘thank you’ and ‘please’ can go a long way.

Keep Your Phone Tucked Away

We know it’s hard to part from your phone, but keep your phone tucked away and on vibrate for the dinner party. The host and the other guests will appreciate your attention and you may end up leaving the dinner party refreshed after a break from your phone.

Respect Personal Space

While it may be hard to respect personal space if you’re attending or hosting a large holiday dinner party, it’s important to keep personal space in mind. Don’t crowd others and don’t touch or hug someone you don’t know without asking.

If you’re attending a holiday dinner party in someone’s home, be aware of areas that may be off limits. Stick to the main areas of the home unless the host invites you into other areas.

While knowing dining etiquette rules are important, it’s also important to have fun at a holiday dinner party. Here are a few ways to amp up the fun:

Happy holidays!

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