1:00 AM 21st December 2024
lifestyle
Etiquette Expert Reveals How To Be The Perfect Guest This Christmas
![Image by OurWhisky Foundation from Pixabay]()
Image by OurWhisky Foundation from Pixabay
Christmas is a time to gather together with loved ones, exchange gifts, and tuck into a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
But as hosting duties can be a stressful chore, how can you ensure you behave like the perfect guest this festive season?
Etiquette and manners person Laura Windsor is known for being the Queen of Etiquette in the UK, with over a decade of experience in etiquette training. She has even consulted on season three of Bridgerton, discussing civility and etiquette in Regency-era England.
Laura reveals the top dos and don'ts of Christmas guest etiquette, including the correct dress code and how to avoid those controversial conversation topics that are likely to arise.
Speaking on behalf of Spin Casino, etiquette and manners expert Laura Windsor reveals:
Leave the pyjamas, tracksuit and trainers in your wardrobe
“Christmas is a special occasion. As a guest, whether you are family or not, you are expected to make an effort. So leave the pyjamas, tracksuits, and trainers in your wardrobe. The host has probably spent hours preparing the meal, so the least you can do is look respectable. If the hosts send out an invitation, dress codes should also be included. It can be extremely helpful for guests and ease any pressure they may feel on the day. If there is no mention of dress codes, take it for granted that it is at the very least smart casual.”
Venting your opinions shows a lack of consideration
"Christmas is a time for merriment, spreading joy and hope to those around you. Venting your opinions, especially negative or personal ones, shows a lack of consideration for your fellow guests. You should focus on interesting topics, keeping the conversation general and upbeat. Talk about the food, and what everyone is doing over the New Year, and find a conversation that is open to all.”
Manners matter no matter how close you are to your fellow guests
“Interrupting people, dominating the conversation, boasting excessively about something, embarrassing family members by telling personal stories, or treating someone's spouse disrespectfully are all behaviors to be avoided. Sensitive subjects that can easily offend guests and dampen the celebrations should also be avoided, too. Just because you are family does not mean you can simply relax to the point where you forget your manners. All guests have the responsibility to be polite, whether you are close or not.
“Overall, there are a number of things that could be considered rude on Christmas Day, including not greeting guests properly, or tending to their drinks, making them feel uncomfortable, or presenting a messy and dirty house.”
Be a willing participant in all games
“Like any guest, you should always get involved with the activities proposed by the hosts and follow their schedule. An adequate amount of conversation is needed to keep the conversation flowing, making everyone feel engaged and comfortable. You don’t want to be hogging the conversation and boring people. It is the responsibility of each person to contribute to a conversation when they are in the best position to do so. Remember it is an upbeat exchange of information and pleasantries.”
Never cancel last minute
"You should let the host know if you can attend within 24 hours of receiving the invitation. The way you structure a cancellation will depend on your relationship with the host. Don’t say you are going away for the holidays when you aren’t. You may be spotted on the streets by a mutual friend and your reputation will be tainted.”
Use your cutlery correctly
“It’s not called a Christmas dinner, it is in fact, Christmas lunch. You would set the table like on any other occasion. The table setting always remains the same, whatever the occasion. The only difference is that if you have a small dining table and there is no room for the pudding cutlery, the fork and spoon is placed above the plate instead of on the side, along with the other cutlery. A common mistake with cutlery is that people don’t hold their knife and fork correctly or the cutlery is not set in the correct order.”
Your napkin must not be used as a handkerchief
“A napkin is used to dab one’s mouth, not to be used as a facecloth. It is there to ensure food doesn’t fall directly one’s your lap and for dabbing the face, ridding the mouth of any food debris. It should definitely NOT be used to spit food into, as a handkerchief to cough or sneeze into, to clean the teeth of food, or as a bib. Bibs are for toddlers. Napkins rest on a diner’s lap.”