Etiquette

The short answer? No. Read on to find out what you should do instead.

There was always a kiddie table growing up, and graduating to the grown-up table was considered quite a big deal. (And as the youngest in a large extended family, it was a very big deal.) Now that we’re the grown-ups in charge of seating arrangements, what do you think about the kids’ table?As fond as I am of my memories of that first meal at the grown-up table, I find myself questioning the whole idea of a kid’s table at holiday meals. For one thing, does it really work?!

There’s an unspoken understanding that takes place the moment you accept an invitation to someone’s house for dinner: The hostess agrees to make you feel awesome, while you, her guest, agree to be pleasant and appreciative. When both of these things are in sync, great times over great meals happen. So what are the secrets to being a great dinner guest? Here are five things to do to make yourself a guest to remember. Arrive a little late, you say? Yes, that’s right.

The date is set, the menu is planned, the guests have all been invited – so is it necessary to send out reminders? Personally, we like a reminder – mostly because our own lives are so hectic that we can almost always use a little check-in! What do you think: are reminders helpful…or annoying?!We also think reminders are great for, well, reminding! We can make sure everyone knows what time to arrive, what to bring (or not), your address, and all the important details.

We’re not talking about taking a meal to a new mom or a sick friend—both wonderful in their own right. We’re going a little deeper. Do you notice the elderly man who lives alone in your building? Or the person at work who’s been caring for her sick mom? It’s the time of year when we all think about helping—feeding—those less fortunate, but we’re usually serving strangers. We might need to serve those closer to home, too.

Don't be so fast to help with those dishes!

What if you ordered a modestly priced entree while your friends ordered lavish dishes?!

Because it's likely been a while since most of you did some traveling.

Because it's likely been a while since most of you did some traveling.

I know anyone I don’t invite will hear about it, so should I just scrap the whole idea?

I’ve been thinking a lot about wine lately — in particular since I am trying to drink less of it. (This is not because I am on a particular health kick, but rather in preparation for my upcoming trip to Portugal, where I will certainly drink muito vinho.) But really what’s been on my mind is how wine isn’t this precious thing that requires coddling and careful sipping and appreciation with words like “saddle leather.

Skip the million-and-one forks, but do not ignore these other rules.

As a guest, there are certain cardinal rules you must not break.

This is so easy to fix.

We’ve all been at those large parties where we’re handed a “Hello my name is…” sticker when we walk through the door and then stand around feeling rather awkward while we make small talk with strangers. Well, here’s a clever alternative that we’re actually looking forward to trying at our next big gathering!

Having food stuck in our teeth and not knowing is one of our worst nightmares. And when the offending bit of dinner is discovered hours later, there’s the inevitable cry of anguish: “Why didn’t anyone TELL me?!”It’s an awkward and tricky social situation, to be sure. Of course we want to be told if we have food in our teeth, but…it’s embarrassing. And it’s equally embarrassing to be the one to tell.

Restored diplomatic relations and relaxed travel restrictions mean that it’s now considerably easier to visit Cuba. But what does that mean exactly, and what should you expect once you get there? Here’s what you need to know about traveling to and staying in Cuba.

No matter how well-mannered we may be back home, Europe can be a minefield of faux pas just waiting to happen. I’ve made my fair share, to be sure. For the life of me I still can’t get that cheek kiss thing right — how many, and which side was it first? Here are some tips to keep in mind from someone who’s learned the hard way, plus a few friends who either live in or travel frequently to Europe. Please, for the love of all that is holy, turn down the volume.

Q: I’m often in the kitchen at gatherings hosted by friends and family, sometimes helping out, sometimes just chatting with the host while they cook. The past few months I have observed many cooking no-nos, but feel like it is not my place to take over or correct the cooking error. Or is it?For example, for Christmas dinner a buffalo tenderloin was broiled for almost thirty minutes before it was “rescued”! Any tips on tactfully helping the cook to make the meal taste better?

The uncontrolled nature of a potluck is, potentially, what makes it spontaneous and fun — but it’s hard when people not only bring their own dishes, but also their own unique ideas of what constitutes appropriate behavior.