Making Merry Memories: Holiday Guest Etiquette For New Yorkers

The holiday season is all about joy and coming together, but when we find ourselves a guest in someone else’s home for Christmas tomorrow, there is some proper etiquette we should remember to make the time together nice for everyone.

A recent study conducted by FINISH Jet Dry and Talker Research highlighted the challenges holiday hosts say they face. With that said, here are some essential dos and don'ts to keep in mind for your holiday visit.

The Dos

Lend a Helping Hand: According to the survey, hosts truly appreciate guests who offer to help with tasks like setting the table, doing dishes, or taking out the trash. So, roll up your sleeves and show your gratitude by assisting your host during the festivities.

Show Your Appreciation: A simple "thank you" can go a long way in acknowledging your host's hard work and hospitality. Express your gratitude to make them feel valued and appreciated.

Mind Your Manners: Be mindful of your table etiquette and show respect for the effort that went into meal preparation. Take a moment to admire the presentation and always remember to dine with courtesy and grace.

The Don'ts

Surprise Guests: Avoid adding extra guests without giving your host a heads-up. Respect their plans and communicate openly if any changes need to be made to the guest list.

Waste Not, Want Not: Be mindful of portion sizes and try to minimize food wastage to show appreciation for the time and effort spent on meal preparation.

Don't Shy Away from Helping: While hosts appreciate assistance, don't hesitate to participate in chores like dishwashing to lighten their load and contribute to a stress-free celebration.

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People who participated in the study said that cleaning before and after guests' arrival is the top thing that stresses them about having company. People also said that they try hard to impress their guests with the meal presentation and how well they keep their house clean. So, if you want to win extra brownie points this Christmas, toss a few heartfelt compliments about those two things to your host.