Savvy Girl, A Guide to Etiquette Read Free Page A

the menu on stylish paper and leave it at each place setting.
    6. Make party favors. For larger gatherings, put together a parting gift, like a small bag of homemade oatmeal chocolate-chip cookies or sea-salted caramels.
    [ BRITT: PS: If you have time in your day to do number 6, I want your job. ]

ETIQUETTE Q &A
    BRITT: BREN, IF A GUEST BRINGS WINE OR FOOD AS A HOST GIFT, IS IT NECESSARY TO SERVE IT?
    BREN: This depends on the circumstances. For instance, if a guest brings a selection of gourmet jam and scones to a dinner party, the host doesn’t need to serve the treat. However if a guest brings a bottle of wine or food item that is appropriate for that evening, it’s a good idea to serve it at your party. If in doubt, ask the guest if he or she would like you to serve the item.

BEING A GRACIOUS GUEST
THE GRACIOUS GUEST RSVPS ASAP
    Let’s start with the first step toward getting invited back for more parties: RSVPing. If you receive an invitation, my motto is “RSVP ASAP.”
    Hosts rely on RSVPs when coordinating an event and ordering food, drinks, and supplies, so it’s respectful to reply as soon as you can. If you need to double-check your calendar, add a reminder on your phone so it doesn’t slip off your radar.
TRICKY RSVP SITUATIONS AND SAVVY SOLUTIONS
    WHEN YOU’VE BEEN INVITED TO AN EVENT BUT CAN’T MAKE IT. Thank the host for including you, but let them know you have a prior engagement and that you’re sadly unable to attend. (Also, you don’t need to explain what the prior engagement entails).
    IF YOU’VE ACCEPTED AN INVITATION AND SUDDENLY CAN’T ATTEND. Let the host know ASAP and apologize for the change of plans.
    IF YOU’VE DECLINED AN INVITATION BUT CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE AND YOU CAN NOW ATTEND. Unless the host is a close friend or relative, stay committed to your original reply. It can put your host in a sticky situation and make them feel obligated to include you in a meal, place setting, and so on at the last minute.

    The second step to getting invited back is punctuality . Be timely, but don’t arrive more than five minutes early. If you’re running late, call or text the host to let them know and also tell them your approximate arrival time. Anything more than twenty minutes late is not “fashionably late”—it’s rude. We all know that things come up and stuff happens, so if you’ll be significantly late, call the host to let them know, apologize, and make sure it’s OK to still attend.
    [ BRITT: One time I hosted a birthday dinner for a friend, and one of the guests showed up forty-five minutes early! My hair was still wet, and I hadn’t finished putting out the appetizers, so when she arrived I felt stressed trying to get her a drink and entertain her while also finishing my preparations and blow-drying my hair. Being on time is good . . . but being too early is just as bad as being late. ]
    So, now you know to always RSVP and arrive on time. Next is a little refresher on how to be the thankful, helpful, conscientious, conversational, and social girl at the party who makes the host’s life a breeze. But first, let’s cover the Gracious Guest Platinum Rule.

THE HOST GIFT
    A host gift is an etiquette must. When choosing a host gift, think of the host’s preferences: Do they adore dark chocolate? Is their favorite indulgence a bottle of rosé? Perhaps they love peonies? Here are some gift suggestions to help you choose the perfect present:
    • A fancy, scented candle that the host probably wouldn’t splurge on
    • A small, potted succulent, seasonal plant or floral arrangement
    • A bag of gourmet coffee and muffins (or cinnamon buns!) for the next morning
    • A bottle of the host’s favorite wine, or one that you love

    [ BRITT: Someone once brought me “Squirrel Brand Nuts” as a host gift for a long weekend. They are the most decadent, delicious treat I’ve ever had, and they come in a cool box. Now I order them in batches on Amazon so I can bring the same lovely gift