How should I greet the parents? "Hi, Mr/Mrs X, thanks for having me" ?? or just "nice to meet you" and save the thanks for having me for when I leave? Should I offer my hand for a handshake or is that unnecessary? I should bring a gift right? Any other tips I should keep in mind?
2006-11-20 19:59:01 · 19 answers · asked by blinkk 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Bring a gift, and/or a dish of food for the dinner. A nice fruit basket or an assortment of nuts, cheese and crackers would make a very nice gift that they could serve then, or save for later.
Do say Thanks when you meet them, then thank them again when you leave.
Don't make any negative comments about anything. (Except if you are with your friend alone.) You don't know these people or their politics or anything, so it's best to stick to small talk about 1) the food, 2) the weather, 3) the football game (if you think it's advisable (-:).
You can think up some cute stories to share at the dinner table if the chance arises -- just make sure they don't embarrass your friend, and are suitable for all generations.
Offer to help in the kitchen before, and with the dishes after.
Be nice to any children present. If possible, play with them, but don't stress yourself.
Try everything you can, but don't be afraid to say, "Oh, I just can't eat another bite. Everything was so delicious!" (-: Even if you have to lie just a little bit.
I think you'll have a good time -- it's really nice that you are concerned about your manners. The most important thing is to express your gratitude, and have some fun.
2006-11-20 20:11:30 · answer #1 · answered by Madame M 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Great question, and you have received some very good answers! I can add only a few things. If you don't have one, get a kit that you can keep all of your personal things in--tooth brush and paste, shower soap, shampoo and deodorant, etc. It doesn't have to be an expensive one. Then when you use the bathroom, take it with you and bring it back to your room again. Don't leave your things in the bathroom.
Take a big plastic bag along to put your dirty clothes in, and keep it by your suitcase. Don't leave your things strewn around the room. Make your bed every day when you get up.
Offer to help the mom. She will probably say she doesn't need help, but she will be impressed that you asked! Maybe you could help clear off the table after the meals.
Be polite and just be yourself. Compliment her about the food, and have a good time! Thank them again when you leave,and send a thank you note the following week telling them that you had a great time and how nice they were to invite you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
2006-11-21 04:44:41 · answer #2 · answered by Cat Lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most importantly don't make a mess and pick up after yourself. Do not make off color jokes or tell stories that are inappropriate in mixed company. A HOSTESS GIFT is very nice, but not required. Nice flowers make the best gift, but a nice bottle of wine, or sparkling cider is a close second. (Some families frown on alcohol, so ask your friend first.)When you give it, the hostess gift goes to the HOST or HOSTESS, that means the person who is in charge of the event arrangements. Usually offer this to the lady of the house. If the family is of a different faith than you, just observe a moment of respectful silence if they say thanks before the meal. When eating the meal, watch closely which silverware piece the host/hostess picks up and uses on which dishes. If the meal is served "banquet style", (help yourself from a large spread), take small portions at first. You can go back when everybody has eaten something to see what is left for seconds if necessary. When you eat, put your napkin in your lap first. If rolls or bread are offered and they are not sliced or they are bigger than bitesized, tear the roll in half, then in smaller pieces and place the rest on a bread plate during the meal. Eat with silverware, never with your hands. If soup, spaghetti, or liquids are served, never "slurp". If alcohol is offered, drink only in moderation. Nobody likes a drunk and obnoxious dinner guest in front of the whole family. When you meet new persons, If you want to make a really good impression, make good eye contact, introduce yourself, inquire of their name, and offer a FIRM handshake. Then try really hard to remember the name and face together. If you forget, when talking to a person, ask again, but say, "I'm sorry, please excuse me, My name is ______. I have met so many new people today, can you please remind me of your name? When you meet your host &/or hostess for the first time, smile when you say "thank you for inviting me". When you leave do the same but say "thank you for HAVING me". Send a polite thank you note within a week of the event. After all this, try not to get too uptight and careful. This is etiquette, (just good manners), not rules written in stone. Try to have fun and meet some new friends : )
2006-11-21 04:22:39 · answer #3 · answered by musemessmer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a guest at your friend's house over Thanksgiving, you should certainly remember to enjoy yourself.
When greeting the parents, yes, you should say, "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. so and so; thank you for having me for Thanksgiving day celebration." (or something like that) Yes, extend your hand in greeting.
Ask your friend if you should bring a gift. I am sure he will say no. If you are a guest, they should not be expecting anything.
When you leave, make sure you tell them what a marvelous dinner it was and that it was a pleasure meeting them.
Have a great time!
2006-11-21 04:06:45 · answer #4 · answered by terryoulboub 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank you Mr.--- and Mrs.--- for inviting me to your home for Thanksgiving Celebration.
Bring a small gift, such as nice fresh brogue of Flowers, a scented Candle, a box of Candy, a bottle of Wine, if they drink or sparkling Apple Juice, use your imagination what do they like?
Offer to help the Hostess.
Be yourself, pleasant and polite.
Give them a warm hug when you are leaving or a firm handshake a big Thank You. Enjoy Your Thanksgiving!
2006-11-21 05:20:21 · answer #5 · answered by Miss Daisy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is how i greet strangers, on their turf.
Greetings with hands out to shake & hold the hand and kiss the cheek. (s)
if someone like your girls/boys parents same way but hug them as well, you'll find your meeting with freinds parents a success.
Taking along a gift for the house or to contribute the table alwalys sets the sceen proper.
Always be polite and answer truthfuly to any question that arise...
Ask if there is something you could do to help with setting up the evenig or event... if no is the answer then just help any way...
At the end, you will know exactly what to say, they will lead and you will answer the same...
All the best
2006-11-21 04:25:14 · answer #6 · answered by Miss Clown 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are a guest -- treat his parents like people -- unless they are robots. they don't expect you to act like one of their friends -- they expect you to act like one of their kids friends. so its ok to be a little goofy. just be a nice friend so it reflects well on their kid.
for thanksgiving a FOOD gift is appropriate. an extra pie or something is usually fine. find out from your friend what might be missing and get a recipe off foodnetwork.com. glazed carrots, sauteed greenbeans -- if you are old enough to buy a bottle of wine thats good too -- if they drink.
rounds of handshakes and thanking them when you get there AND when you are leaving is probably most appropriate.
offer to help with kitchen duty, cleaning the table, dishwashing, something. if they say no thanks then accept that -- you shouldn't ask twice. you could always run beer from the fridge to the tv crowd too. do all this very casually and friendly. "anyone need a beer?" compliment the food if you really like something. don't be fake. if you don't like something chances are somebody else doesn't like it either -- so if you compliment it people will think you are crazy.
Mostly you are being invited into someones home -- respect them for it and be thankful -- its what thanksgiving is supposed to be all about.
2006-11-21 04:27:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My opinion is it is very hard to be TOO polite. Thank them when arriving, eating, AND leaving. Bring a bottle of wine, dessert, or BOTH. Offer to shake hands with everyone at the table. In conversation, be a good listener. Try to avoid topics like religion or politics unless they press you hard for an opinion. Talk about "safe" things like your hobbies, sports, what you do for a living. Try not to ask someone you don't know something too personal. If you're wondering whether to say something or not, play it safe and don't. Always show people you don't know well that you have class. When you know them well, you can be more open and opinionated.
2006-11-21 04:09:42 · answer #8 · answered by clueless_nerd 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi,, how interesting,, your quite thoughtful...
A greeting with a small gift would be appropriate if you really want to make a good impression.....
Nothing expensive, maybe some small box of chocolates,, if you were over 21, a nice bottle of wine would be appropriate.. if they drink wine...
Remember, do not talk with your mouth full, sit straight, wash your hands, and for goodness sake, tell them how much you appreciate them having you and Especially how good the food was!!!!!!
You do this, i gurantee you will be invited back again.....
good luck and happy thanksgiving......
2006-11-21 04:11:14 · answer #9 · answered by eejonesaux 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Both greetings are acceptable either together or each by itself.
A handshake is a proper greeting for a man.
Before you leave (on your way out) tell the host/hostess "thanks again for having me, I had a wonderful time!"
Be sure to thank your friend also.
A gift of maybe wine is acceptable but, anything more is not necessary.
Gifts are for Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa
Relax and enjoy yourself....if you weren't doing fine already, you wouldn't have been invited.
2006-11-21 04:07:16 · answer #10 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋