Golden Rules for Being a Good Guest
NICOLE DAVIS
@colorfulabode, Teacher by day, Plant based recipe creator by night
The season of gatherings is upon us, and for every party you host, it’s safe to assume you are a guest at a few more. Instagram is full of new ways to make your party that much more special; how to decorate your tablescapes, how to plan your holiday menu, or how to entertain your guests. But being in a guest another person’s home is a different story.
We asked our friend Nicole of @colorfulabode to give us some tips, from party host to party guest, on the do’s and don’ts of being a respectful guest. She also threw in a few pro tips from her mother-in-law on how to impress any host.
Interview transcript has been edited for length
Nicole: Sometimes I feel a little uncomfortable when I have “helpful guests”, when people are like, can I start doing the dishes for you? I kind of like to do that outside of the party and when I have people over I don’t really want guests to feel like they have to work. But that’s just how I feel about it. Instead, I love when people ask, ‘what can I bring?’ Or something like that.
What makes a good guest when they come to your parties, Mama Truong?
Mama Truong: I would like them to bring maybe a bottle of wine or a great dessert that they want to share.
Nicole: When someone is me meeting their significant others family for the first time, like when I met you for the first time, what would be some advice that you would give that person?
Mama Truong: First of all, great eye contact. And then be well dressed, be polite, be precise, and be friendly.
Nicole: When you’re invited to a party, what is the one appetizer that you always bring?
Mama Truong: I would love to bring some finger food, which is something like egg rolls or salmon toast.
Nicole: What advice would you give to parents who are bringing their children to a holiday party?
Mama Truong: I would love them to bring some of the game for the kid and have some specific food for the kids and some story to to read for the kids, that would be good to entertain them.
Happy Holidays!