Thanksgiving Guest Etiquette

7 Tips To Follow This Thanksgiving

Being a gracious, well-mannered guest is often overlooked at Thanksgiving, but it is as important as being a great host. Here are seven ways you can impress as a guest
​and make sure you are welcomed back in years to come.

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1. Communicate

If you have been invited into someone's home this holiday be considerate and RSVP in a timely manner. Also be clear on if you can bring a "plus one" if it is not clear on the invite. Most likely "the more the merrier" will be your host's attitude, but knowing in advance if you plan to bring a guest will be helpful, especially in the event of a formal dinner. If you have other events or commitments that will force you to be late for the event communicate that during your RSVP as well.

Just as an added note, whether you are happy with the outcome or not of the Presidential race, do not start heated conversations over the dinner table. It is Thanksgiving and as Americans we all have much to be thankful for.

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2. Offer to Bring a Dish

​Hosting Thanksgiving is a big undertaking, even for those Martha Stewart-types who make if look effortless. But the truth is it's a lot of work and your offer to contribute a dish will likely be welcomed with open arms. Ask the host for suggestions as not to show up with a duplicate side dish. If the hose says she has it all covered, insist on at least bringing a gourmet cheese board. 

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3. Bring a Hostess Gift

It does not have to be an extravagant gift, just a token of gratitude for his or her hospitality. Here are a few ideas:

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4. Arrive on Time

​When it comes to hosting Thanksgiving dinner, timing is crucial and your host likely has a detailed itinerary. For this reason you should arrive on time. If your event is more casual and there is not a set time for when you show up by all means come early and "hang out or help out" before the dinner. Otherwise do not show up early. Showing up 30 minutes early is just as bad as arriving an hour late.

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5.Put Away Your Phone
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Put away my phone?? My phone at the table is not rude, is it??
My simple answer is socialize, don't social network. Put down the phone, pick up the conversation. However, not everyone will agree with my answer and I enjoy taking a photo of my plate for Instagram as much as anyone else. So here is a compromise that should satisfy wherever you land on this issue.

Before dinner take pictures of the table setting for Facebook, pictures with family and friends for Snapchat, and your dinner plate for Instagram. Then put away your phone for the meal and engage with the guests around the table. After you are full and happy, take pictures of your dessert, a few more candid shots, maybe a selfie or two. Again, put your phone away. Enjoy the fellowship, games and family traditions. Finally at the end of the day reflect on your time and compose all social media posts after the event instead of in real time. Your host will appreciate it, those who sit around you at the dinner table will feel appreciated and seen and most importantly, you will make memories face to face instead of through the lens of your camera.

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6. Help Clean Up

We can all think of family members or friends that disappear during clean up. Don't be that person. Do not offer to help clean up, just jump in and do it. Help clear the table, put away leftovers, prep for desserts. Follow your hosts lead and do not begin clean up until your host gets up from the table. This small act your host will take notice of.

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7. Send a Handwritten Thank You Note

Show your gratitude by sending a handwritten thank you note. Be prompt and send it within a week. A personal note goes a long way in letting your host know how much you appreciate their planning, generosity and hard work.