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The do's and don'ts of being a good guest!

Article by Dana Benigno, Chef/President - Chicagocooks.com

If attending a potluck supper or group dinner…

Do stick to the item you were assigned. If you were assigned an appetizer don't show up with brownies or a meatloaf. If you must change, stick to the category you were assigned, appetizer, salad, munchies, etc…

Don't bring a dish in a partially prepared form. Ingredients that need to be washed, prepped, assembled and cooked, may cause hassles for your host. Unless you've planned to make something together, bring a completed dish. If you don't have time to make your contribution, buy something that is already prepared. (Stick to the category!) Call your host and let them know your plans or ask for another suggestion.

Do bring a small token to your host if it's more than an informal gathering.
Suggestions:

1. Wine (something for dinner or for their enjoyment later, let them decide if it's appropriate to serve that evening.)



2. Special gourmet food items such as aged balsamic vinegar or specialty oil like truffle oil.



3. Flowers. If you choose to bring flowers, consider a small bouquet already in a vase or flowers than can be dropped into a vase without much fuss. Cut flowers are beautiful but require your host to find a vase, clean, cut, and arrange flowers while greeting guests.

Don't call your host an hour before the party to see if they need anything. While your intentions are good, what they need at that point, is a little more time, something you are wasting by keeping them on the phone. One phone call is not a big deal, but imagine what it's like for your host if six guests all make the "do you need anything call" in the last 45 minutes of preparation. (This excludes calling to inform someone of an emergency or tardiness of more than 15 minutes.)

Do give as much notice as possible of cancellation. Showing up for cocktails and announcing that you can't stay for dinner is not enough notice. (Believe it or not this happens more than you think.)

Do send a thank you note if the evening was particularly spectacular or the occasion was more than an informal gathering.

Read: Don't Miss Your Own Party!

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