Etiquette: How to be a Good Guest

Everyone has had the opportunity to be the guest at a party, but sometimes we need a little refresher about what behavior is considered good guest etiquette. I came across a couple of articles that are great reminders of how to be a polite and respectful guest at any event, whether it be a cocktail party or an overnight stay. Real Simple Magazine lays out 10 easy ways to be a good guest. Some suggestions include: make sure you RSVP as soon as you receive the invitation, if you accept an invitation be sure to attend, and offer to help the host or hostess with anything he or she may need. Rachael Ray also has some great tips for guests on her website. Show up on time, bring a gift if you are attending a formal dinner party, and most importantly show your gratitude. You just might want to be invited back!

Source: Real Simple, Rachael Ray

Etiquette: What to Wear to a Wedding

Everyone knows the one cardinal rule of wedding guest attire: don’t wear white! However, there are many other questions that come to mind when deciding on an outfit for that special day. What is appropriate? How formal is the event? I stumbled upon a great guide on TheKnot.com that gives some excellent suggestions on how to avoid a fashion faux pas. Simply by looking at the invitation you can get some clues about what kind of attire is expected. If the invitation says white tie, stick to a full-length evening gown. A cocktail dress or long gown is appropriate for black tie. Black tie optional is a little trickier, but generally a long dress, cocktail dress, or even a dressy suit is appropriate. Finally, for a casual wedding, a sundress or a skirt or pants with a cute top are good options. No matter what, avoid jeans and anything too revealing. You can always consult other guests to get a better idea of what others will be wearing. If you’re still unsure, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Source: TheKnot.com, Jaime Lee Blog, Nordstrom

Etiquette: How to Properly Set Your Table

The most important aspect of any party is the table setting. Whether it is a dinner with close family or a more formal event, start out by placing the plate in the center of the placemat. To the left of the plate is the dinner fork, followed by the salad fork. To the right of the plate, place the knife with sharp edge towards the plate. The soup spoon is placed next to the knife. You can make changes to this guide based on what is being served. Salad and bread plates go to the left of the forks while glassware should be placed above the knife and spoon. Should you be serving soup, place the bowl on top of the plate.

It’s all about the details! Make sure to add unique touches, like a fun napkin or a beautiful dinner plate, to personalize the evening. Bon appétit!

Source: Mark Cutler Design, Green Wedding Shoes, Style Me Pretty