Refining your entertaining knowledge is always beneficial, especially when it comes to debunking long-standing myths. Etiquette and entertaining experts have shared their insights to help hosts and guests navigate social gatherings with ease.
Myth 1: Opening the Wine Someone Gifts You A common misconception is that you must open the wine a guest brings to your dinner party immediately. Mariah Grumet, etiquette expert and founder of Old Soul Etiquette, clarifies that unless you specifically requested the wine as a contribution, you are not obligated to uncork it during the event. Myth 2: Dressing to Impress at Parties The expectation of dressing formally for dinner parties is outdated, according to Rosalinda Randall, an etiquette expert. She suggests that comfort is key, and the ‘come-as-you-are’ look is perfectly acceptable. Myth 3: The Necessity of Party Favors Kelly Soule, event and wedding planner and founder of Kelly Elizabeth Events, dispels the myth that adult guests must receive party favors. She believes that providing a delicious meal is gift enough, and many trinkets go unused, making it wise to save money. Myth 4: superiority of Plated Meals While many view plated meals as more special, Soule prefers buffets for their logistical advantages. They allow guests to select what they like and cater to various dietary preferences. Myth 5: The Politeness of Arriving Early Contrary to popular belief, arriving early to a party is not considered polite. Myka Meier, an etiquette expert, advises arriving a few minutes after the party starts to allow hosts time for last-minute preparations. Alison Cheperdak, founder of Elevate Etiquette, agrees, stating that arriving within the first 15 minutes of the start time is polite. Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!It’s time to debunk some common entertaining myths that many hosts and guests have been believing. Let’s explore these myths and put them to rest. Myth 1: A Guest Must Eat Everything on Their Plate Guests, you are under no obligation to finish every bite on your plate. If you’re no longer hungry or don’t enjoy a particular dish, Meier suggests trying to eat as much as you can and then politely saying, ‘It was delicious but I’m so full, thank you,’ instead of forcing yourself to finish. Myth 2: One Must Own All of the ‘Right’ Supplies to Host Hosting doesn’t require a matching set of china or an abundance of tablecloths and placemats. Cheperdak encourages inviting friends over, even in a small space or without a plethora of entertaining accessories. She emphasizes that entertaining is about loving people well and honoring relationships, not about material possessions or showing off. It doesn’t need to be fancy, complicated, or expensive.