The Do's of Being a Polite Guest

A dinner event can happen in any environment, be it business, religious, award night, couples day out, etc. For example, I once attended one in a church setting where I least expected. It was so grand that it left my jaw hanging. And I’d say, the more luxurious this party is, the extra distinguished your manners must be. As a guest in a dinner party, there are certain polished ways you need to present yourself to be a polite guest. The following tips will help you to come across as a well-bred:

📌Respond to an invitation within a day or two of receiving it. Let the host know whether or not you’d be able to honour the invitation.

📌Lateness shows poor guest etiquette. So, don’t be late for the party. Also, don’t try to arrive too early. Make sure to arrive very close to the event start time.

📌A dinner party is not where to practice the manners of "do not talk to strangers," which you learned when you were much younger. This is good for children, but it doesn’t apply in the professional setting. Say, “Hi,” to people. Make small talk with the other guests. Whether this is before you are seated, or after, make it a point to get involved in a conversation with other guests.

📌When the host invites dinner guests to be seated, sit only when everyone is beside their chair. Guests sit from their left (and the chair’s right) to avoid collisions when taking their seats.

📌If during a conversation your phone rings, politely excuse yourself to take the call, then after the call, keep the phone in your bag or pocket for the rest of the night. Keep it on vibrate or switch it off.

📌During meals use dining etiquette and know your place setting. For example; water glass is on the right, the bread plate is on the left.

📌Most importantly, follow your host lead accordingly.

📌Leave at the end of the event. If there’s no appointed end time, take your cue from the host and the other guests. Generally an hour after dinner ends is a good time to leave.

📌Say thank you to your host before you leave and send a thank-you note within a couple of days of the event.

Love & more success, 💗

Your friend and Coach

~ Damilola Ogunremi