What is proper etiquette when visiting someone's home for the first time?

Question

Should you take a gift like wine or is that only for people who are just moving in? What are the rules? Also if not wine then what?

Answer 1

Hello Pumpkin head...(that's a cute yahoo ID!)
Yes this is a very good question!
(You are smart and sensitive to be concerned about doing the right thing...I applaud you!)
It will depend on what the nature of your visit is, but most of the time a small gift is greatly appreciated.
If you've been invited to dinner then...
Wine is very good...
(Any reasonably priced wine that you can afford is fine. Even better if you're already familiar with, and like the particular type of wine or vineyard.)
Other good choices would be...
a vase of flowers...
or a small house plant...
These are all good.
Of course the is no need to feel that you absolutely have to bring a gift, other than being at your best as a guest in someones home for the first time, especially if your visit is going to be an informal one or for a short time.
Good luck and have a nice time!

p.s. Do send a thank you card to your hosts after your visit. This will go a long way toward making yourself a much more appreciated guest.

Answer 2

Definitely don't forget the hostess gift (flowers, wine, etc.). The link I've listed below has some other really great gift ideas!

Also, if you wear socks, make sure they're clean! Some people don't allow people to wear shoes in the house, and smelly feet are just rude. Oh, make sure your socks match and don't have holes. :)

Be 5 minutes late. Clocks are usually set between 5 minutes slow and 5 minutes fast, so arriving 5 minutes late should get you there "fashionably late!" Being early to someone's house is rude (unless you're going out immediately after your arrival-then be there right on time). Some people wait until the last minute to finish preparations for guests. Giving your host(ess) that extra few minutes is usually appreciated. Being more than 5 minutes late is rude. Food may get cold, time with other guests may be interrupted, and/or the host(ess) may worry you're not coming or got lost.

If you have drinks, dinner and/or spend the night, don't forget to send a thank you card. I usually prepare the envelope (stamp and all) and start writing the card before I go to a friend's house. Then when I leave, I can write an additional sentence to personalize it and drop it in the mail.

I hope this helps!

Answer 3

It depends on the culture and the purpose of the visit.

Americans are quite fond of gifts and so a small token is well received but not required. The important thing to remember is that the gift is a token, not overly lavish. Further, if the affair is a dinner party, wine is probably not a good choice since the host may feel obliged (incorrectly) to feature your gift at dinner.

British etiquette is somewhat different: gifts are not anticipated.

Answer 4

I would say avoid food gifts unless you know what they like. Flowers work wonders, and you may very well be setting the centerpiece at the table.

Ask before you do anything - even little things. "Do you mind if I take a napkin?" "Do you mind if I taste some of X". From what I've learned, people take from you that you are EXTREMELY polite and sweet.

If you aren't offered a seat right away, ask for one. Sit down and smile a bit, breathe in your surroundings and start to float into them. Mimic a bit ("When in Rome"), but not so much as to look like a parroting asshole.

Biggest thing is just to relax. Be overly polite and next time you won't have to be quite so much. They'll be so worried that you're uncomfortable, you can let loose a little.

Good luck!

Answer 5

eep, that's going to depend a lot of the specific situation. A small gift is quite appropriate and usually very appreciated.

Wine is classic and my personal favorite, but could be problematic if the host/ess doesn't drink. Flowers or a plant are nice for a woman, and I don't know many women who don't appreciate a nice candle. If it's the holidays, a cute themed dish towel is a novel approach. As for men hosts... ugh, I'll let the men handle that part.

Answer 6

Well...it kind of feels as in the event you did not imply to be impolite however persons more often than not make those errors, so do not fear approximately it. Firstly, check out carry small items (meals models to give a contribution to a dinner) and DO greet every person. You're most effective pronouncing hello and I'm certain his dad and mom might love to greet you as good. Clarify along with his step mom that you just most effective went as much as his room, no longer when you consider that you felt such as you owned the situation, however you did not wish to intervene any extra. As for dinner, check out talk up a bit of extra. Being quiet is not a relatively well excuse (I'm quiet as good however I check out my excellent to converse my gratitude). If you wish, you would continuously speak to his step mom and ask how she might such as you to behave in her condominium. Good success.

Answer 7

well it depends on why you are going- if you are going for dinner bring a dessert or wine. If you are just going to view it than bring some flowers.

Answer 8

Friut Salad or Wine or both !

Answer 9

wine or flowers are always in good taste.

Answer 10

anything small - flowers, plant, candle, something simple that shows you are thinking of them. Also - if for dinner, offer to help set up and clean up, shake hands, look into eyes, says please and thank you. push in your chair, Just overall, be courteous, responsive, polite and interested - and interesting, be yourself though and relax. =)