MONTREAL – Holidays are all about giving and being grateful, but with all the excitement of seeing friends and family, it’s easy to lose track of your holiday etiquette.
Global News’ etiquette expert Nancy Kosik tells us how to keep ourselves in check when faced with presents, wine and a lot of festivities!
1. Don’t be an overbearing guest
It’s always exciting to spend time with family and friends, especially if you haven’t seen them for a long time – but this can often cause us to act without thinking first.
Let the party’s hosts take the lead – don’t be the first person to sit, start eating, or offer food to others.
Remember that you are a guest.
Nancy’s tip: Follow your host’s instructions and take your time, pace yourself, as the meal progresses.
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This is a great way to help you slow down and savour the moment of simply being there with your loved ones.
2. Let you host propose the first toast
People love giving toasts during the holidays to welcome guests and show some heartfelt appreciation.
Give your hosts the opportunity, before beginning your first course, to express their thoughts with everyone – even if you can’t take your mind off the delectable meal waiting to be devoured!
Nancy’s tip: Keep all toasts brief and sincere.
If someone toasts to you specifically, simply enjoy it.
3. It’s not all about the food
Don’t just focus on stuffing your face with turkey – take some time to pause and converse with the people you’re dining with.
Nancy’s tip: Take this opportunity to catch up on what’s new in their lives as well as share the fun things that have happened in your life this past year.
4. Christmas is a time for sharing
This includes your meal, so don’t take four slices of apple pie before everyone’s had a piece – especially if you are part of a large group.
Even if there is plenty of food, it is still courtesy to leave some leftovers so everyone could have seconds if they want to.
Nancy’s tip: if you have a big appetite, always eat a little – not a lot – before heading to the party.
That way, you won’t appear famished during the meal.
5. Thank your hosts, no matter how the event turns out
There are several ways to thank your hosts.
- Never show up empty handed
This is as simple as bringing a Christmas flower arrangement, a bottle of wine or your favourite dessert.
Regardless of how big or small your gesture, this displays sincere thanks to the person who spent the day preparing the meal.
- Propose a toast before dessert
This is a great time to thank your hosts for a wonderful meal, compliment their cooking and appreciate their hard work and hospitality.
Be sincere. This is what makes the special moments even more special.
- Send them a thank you note
After the party, you can always take a leaf out of the traditional etiquette books and send your hosts a hand written – yes, a hand written – thank you note.
This takes a little more effort, but it’s sure to put a smile on their faces.
A little bit about Nancy:
Nancy Kosik is the Director of the Nancy Kosik Academy of International Protocol and Etiquette (NKAIPE) headquarters based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
She provides etiquette and protocol training to individuals and corporations in Canada and across the world.
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