6 Christmas etiquette rules you should follow, according to an etiquette expert
The Christmas holidays can be quite stressful for many people, partly because of all the hassle surrounding them. Arguments with in-laws, arguments among family members, expectations that aren’t met, meat burning in the oven… I think something goes wrong for everyone. And then there’s also certain etiquette you’re supposed to follow. Luckily, we have Nick Leighton’s tips for that. He hosts the podcast ‘Were you raised by wolves?‘ and, by his own account, is an ‘etiquette expert’.
He tells TheKitchn all the do’s and don’ts for Christmas dinner. So be sure to take notes, because according to this expert, these are the rules you should follow…
The 6 Christmas etiquette rules you should follow, according to the expert
1. Asking guests to take off their shoes is a no-go
But if you insist, Leighton says you should offer an alternative in the form of slippers or house shoes. Asking guests to take off their shoes at the door and spend the rest of dinner standing and sitting in their socks is absolutely not acceptable. In addition, taking off their shoes should be made as easy as possible; so make sure there’s a bench or chair nearby where your guests can sit while taking them off. Or don’t go to all that trouble and just mop the next day — that seems like the most convenient option to me personally.
2. Serving dinner on paper plates is fine, though
I find that rather surprising, because I would think being served your main course on a paper plate is absolutely unacceptable. But according to Leighton, it’s not too bad, provided they’re sturdy enough to hold the potentially heavy main course. Because you don’t want the plate to give out while you’re serving. My tip? Just use regular plates. I’d rather have plates that don’t match than a whole set of identical paper plates, but Mr. Leighton and I disagree on that.
3. A follow-up after an invitation is perfectly fine
Something we all find very annoying, I think: people who don’t respond to an RSVP. Especially when it’s for Christmas dinner, which generally involves quite a lot of planning. At some point, you do want to know where you stand: who is coming and who isn’t? According to Nick Leighton, a follow-up is therefore perfectly fine; but it’s better to keep it short and direct. ‘I’m finalizing the plans for Christmas dinner, are you still joining us?’ Seems clear to me.
4. You can’t impose a phone ban
Being on your phone a lot during dinner is rude, but according to Leighton, there’s not much you can do about it. If you find it annoying, he recommends simply not inviting those people again. I think that’s fairly drastic. Why does he think this? ‘People have children, parents, babysitters and partners they may need to stay in touch with.’ That may be true, but couldn’t you just bring it up? Sorry Nick, I don’t agree with you here.
5. You’re allowed to decline help
People often offer to help with cooking or clearing the table, but according to Leighton, it’s perfectly fine to turn them down — unless you can actually use their help. I prefer Martha Stewart’s tip: she advised never to start cleaning up while your guests are still there unless it’s really necessary. If you want them to leave, for example. There’s no better hint. Or is there? Grab their coats (and shoes) immediately.
6. If there are gifts for the host, you can unwrap them whenever you want
According to Leighton, it’s your gift, so you can unwrap it whenever you want. Even if it’s a dish or something else edible. A bottle of alcohol also falls into this category. You’re not obliged to serve it, because it’s your gift. I’m beginning to have my doubts about this Nick Leighton, because by now he doesn’t seem entirely well-mannered himself. How ungrateful does it look to receive a gift, not open it and stash it away somewhere? Very strange.
But then again, I’m no etiquette expert either.
Read also:
