Dear Jacquelyn,

This year, I will not be able to travel home for Thanksgiving. A friend nearby was kind and has extended an invitation to have Thanksgiving dinner. I’ve never had Thanksgiving dinner anywhere except with family at home. What are some tips to be a good guest?

Dear Reader,

When Thanksgiving involves being a guest at someone else’s banquet, there are things you can do to be an exceptional guest and help out your host.

Arrive on time and bring a small gift as a way to thank your host for his or her generosity. Traditional gifts are a bouquet of flowers to adorn the table or a bottle of wine.

As with any dinner that you have been invited to, it’s important to put your phone on silent and connect with the people at the table with you.

Think of some conversation-starting questions ahead of time and be prepared to contribute to the conversation. Your host has put a lot of time into the occasion, so do them the service of giving them your full attention.

Lend a helping hand and to ask how you can be of assistance. Offer to help clear the dishes off the table and bring them to the kitchen.

Assisting with the clean-up is the best thing you can do to help your host. There are a lot of dishes to be done, so let your host tell you where to help and do your best.

Before you leave, turn your thankful thoughts into thankful words. Be sure to sincerely express your gratitude. Take a moment to thank your host for the delicious meal.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training.

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&Copy;2022 Jacquelyn Youst