Guest Etiquette

We have been going out for meals sporatically as the pandemic restrictions are relaxed in the greater New York City area. We are careful about it. On one occasion, while working on an order of frie...

Happy Thanksgiving

I will be visiting restaurants and house parties that I know will be serving buffet-style. What's the best way to tackle it. After all these years, it's still all too easy to load up the plate with...

So you and the Mrs are invited to a “less than stellar” restaurant or, even worse, an acquaintance’s home for dinner! Somehow they know you’re “particular about food” and keep asking your opinion ...

by Melanie Wong 5 months ago

"A: At the risk of taking the bait, you must realize that millions of people (presumably both of Neil’s parents, not to mention Neil himself) regularly eat lentils and vegetables as children in per...

Ok, so maybe I should mind my own business, but we were sitting down for brunch at a popular spot in Annapolis during our recent trip and noticed the table next to us. They started with a round of ...

by AmblerGirl 13 years ago

I have seen alot of diversity regarding the etiquette of who pays if a group of people go out to a restaurant to celebrate someone's birthday. It looks like people expect one of three things: - ...

We are always the host of friend get togethers. While I wouldn't call these get togethers "dinner parties", they are events where I cook for everyone. I get great joy and satisfaction out of doin...

Hypothetically, let’s say you invited 20 friends to your home for wine-tasting and dinner. 10 of the invitees rsvp within the allotted time. Plus two are “likely maybes”, which makes 12 total. At...

I am always amused by those news stories about the waitperson at a restaurant receiving a surprise $800 tip from a loyal patron. I don't go that far, but I do tend to leave larger gratuities at fav...

Here we are at a popular local arts theater waiting for the film to begin when a couple comes in, paper bag in hand, and begins to spread their larder on their laps. It was a sandwich and sides the...

Scenario A: Greek Resto X was a two hour drive from home and had delicious moussaka. I happened to be in the area on business and ordered take-out. My mouth was watering during the drive home b...

by danhole 12 years ago

What is the standard, wherever you are, after a death in the family? Does someone bring food to your home, for the family, or is food provided after the service (as in funeral/memorial/burial)? I a...

Often times, dh eats his meal within 5-10 minutes of him being served. He occasionally will sit there with the kids and myself to relax or process the meal, but a lot of times, whether he waits a f...

Merry widow here was invited to a dinner party. I took flowers for the hostess for her coffee table. They were perfect. She phoned me the next morning and told me she woke up to dead flowers! Shoul...

I love having you over, even though it is a lot of work for me. I guess there is additional benefit (besides your great company) for me in getting my house clean for the event, however! Please ...

I was invited to a friend's house for Passover dinner. Of course I asked what I could bring, and she said "Chicken for 14" So..... I just finished making dinner for 14!!! Do I still bring a host...

by hala 11 years ago

Hubby and I were brought up to always offer to do the dishes after dinner at someone's house. We always ask first and if our offer is accepted, we do it gladly. We appreciate the effort the hosts h...

My wife and I are hosting a holiday dinner party. For the first time in several years my brother, whom we don't really get along with very well, and his family will attend. Since being invited my b...

I'm planning on throwing a 40th birthday party for my husband. We are inviting friends and family, and some of those family members always show up with a dish despite my usual "we'll have plenty o...