Everyday Etiquette

Nice-to-Know:

Dining at Someone's Home – how to be a good guest

Attending a dinner at someone’s home is a special occasion that requires an elevated level of etiquette to ensure a smooth, enjoyable evening for both guests and hosts. Here’s your go-to guide for navigating the dos and don'ts:

The Do’s:

Before the Dinner:

• RSVP Promptly – Respond to the invitation ASAP! Treat RSVPs like a deadline, not a suggestion, so your host knows how to plan.
• Communicate Dietary Needs –If you have any food allergies or specific dietary restrictions, let your host know ahead of time so they can accommodate you.
• Dress for the Occasion – Make sure your outfit matches the vibe of the event—business casual for a laid-back dinner, business attire for a more formal gathering.
• Bring a Small Gift – It’s not required, but a thoughtful gift like flowers, chocolates, or a small plant is a nice touch—especially if it’s your first time visiting. If several students are attending, one gift from the group is sufficient.

During the Dinner:

• Arrive On Time – Be punctual! Arriving too early can be awkward, so aim to arrive within 5-10 minutes of the invited time. If you arrive earlier than 10 minutes of the start time, drive around!  Arriving too early catches the host off guard.
• Engage with Other Guests – Make an effort to introduce yourself and chat with everyone. Being social and friendly creates a welcoming vibe for the whole group.
• Mind Your Table Manners – Be polite, chew with your mouth closed, and use your utensils properly. Small talk is encouraged, but don’t dominate the conversation.
• Offer Help, But Respect Declines – If you want to help clear the table or assist with cleanup, offer—but if the host says no, graciously accept.
• Be Mindful of Your Departure – Don’t just dash out—thank the host before you leave and express your appreciation for the meal and company.
• Send a Thank-You Note – A thank-you note after the dinner shows gratitude and keeps the connection going.

The Don’ts:

• Keep Your Phone Away: Don’t place your phone on the dinner table or check it during the meal. The focus should be on the conversation and your host.
• No Phones During Dinner:
  Avoid using your phone during dinner, even if you step away for a bathroom break. Stay present and engaged.
• No Unauthorized Social Media Posts:
  Don’t take photos or post anything on social media unless the host gives you the green light. Respect their privacy.
• Respect the Host’s Space:
  Keep out of personal areas—don’t snoop around their home or touch their belongings (like remotes, papers, or devices) without permission.

Dining at a Restaurant as Someone’s Guest – how to order and avoid awkward moments

When you’re dining at a restaurant as a guest, there are a few extra etiquette rules to keep in mind to make sure everyone has a good time. Here’s how to navigate your dinner like a pro:

The Do’s:

Before the Dinner:

• RSVP Quickly – When you get the invitation, treat it like a deadline and respond right away. Don’t leave your host hanging!
• Let Your Host Know About Dietary Needs – Got allergies or specific food requests? Let your host know in advance when you RSVP, so they can plan accordingly. Or, call the restaurant to ensure they can accommodate your restrictions.
• Dress for the Occasion – Match your outfit to the restaurant and occasion—business casual for laid-back dinners, business attire for something more formal.
• Arrive On Time – Respect everyone’s schedule by showing up at the appointed time—or even a little early.
• Introduce Yourself & Join In – Say hi to everyone at the table and engage in friendly conversation. It’s all about making the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
• Be Respectful to All – Show respect not just to the host, but also to the waitstaff and other guests. It sets the right tone for the night.
• Follow the Host's Lead on Ordering – If your host gives specific instructions on ordering, follow them! Avoid ordering something that could be messy or difficult to eat, unless others are doing it too.
• Wait for Everyone to Be Served – Don’t start eating until everyone at the table has their food, unless your host gives the green light to dig in early.
• Mind Your Table Manners – Keep it classy—use your utensils properly, chew with your mouth closed, and engage in polite conversation.
• Be Aware of When to Leave – Pay attention to the flow of the evening and thank your host before you head out.
• Send a Thank-You Note – After the meal, take a moment to thank your host with a short thank-you note. It’s a nice way to show your appreciation.

The Don’ts:

• Don’t Order Too Much – Avoid being the person who orders a course like an appetizer or dessert all on their own. Stick to what your host orders or suggests.
• Avoid Ordering the Most Expensive Item – Don’t be the one who picks the most expensive dish, especially ones marked “Market Price.” Be considerate of your host’s budget.
• Phone Etiquette – Keep your phone away from the table, and don’t check it during the meal. If you need to take a call or send a text, step outside.
• No Unauthorized Photos or Posts – Hold off on taking pictures or posting to social media unless your host says it’s cool. Some people value their privacy, and it’s best to respect that.
• Tipping the Valet:
  If you’re using valet parking, don’t forget to carry some small bills to tip the valet ($2-$5) when you pick up your car.
• Prix Fixe Menu:
  If you’re dealing with a prix fixe menu (where you pay a set price for a limited choice of entrees), be sure to stick to the menu options and avoid exceeding the agreed-upon price for the host.

Attending a Symphony as a Guest – what to expect and how to behave at formal events

Going to a symphony or other cultural events can be an enriching experience, but it also comes with its own set of guidelines for behavior. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the event with respect and grace, making the experience enjoyable for you and everyone around you:

Dos:

• Know the Details – Make sure you’re familiar with the venue address, parking options, and any other logistics ahead of time. (Example: Jacksonville Performing Arts Center, 300 Water St, Jacksonville).
• Arrive Early – Aim to get there at least 30 minutes before the performance starts. This gives you time to park, go through security, and settle into your seat.
• Dress the Part – Go for elevated business casual attire. It shows respect for the event and performers, and helps you fit in with the atmosphere.
• Silence Your Phone – Before entering the concert hall, make sure your phone is either on silent or in airplane mode. No distractions during the performance!
• Clap at the Right Time – Applaud when it’s appropriate—typically at the end of each piece or movement. Watch for cues from the conductor or other patrons to know when it’s time to clap.
• Stay Seated During the Show – Once the performance begins, stay seated unless it’s an emergency or during breaks like intermission. This ensures everyone can focus on the music without distractions.
• Thank Your Host– When the event ends, make sure to thank your host or organizer for inviting you. A little gratitude goes a long way!
• Write a Thank-You Note – After the event, send a handwritten thank-you note to express your appreciation for the invitation. It’s a thoughtful way to show you care.

Don’ts:

• No Talking During the Performance – Keep the conversation for after the show. Even quiet whispering can disrupt the experience for others.
• Don’t Check Your Phone – Refrain from looking at your phone or texting during the performance. Stay in the moment and enjoy the music.
• No Videotaping – Recording performances is not allowed. Respect the performers and copyright rules by keeping your camera off.
• Minimize Disruptions – Avoid loud coughing, crinkling candy wrappers, or anything that might distract others from the performance. Be mindful of the quiet moments.
• Be Considerate When Leaving Your Seat – If you need to leave your seat, do so during intermission or breaks in the music. Make sure to return promptly to avoid disturbing the performance.

Attending a Game as a Suite Guest – enjoying the perks without overstepping

Going to a sporting event in a suite is a VIP experience, and it comes with its own set of rules to ensure you’re respectful to your host and the other guests. Here’s how to handle it like you’ve done it before:

Dos:

• Use Proper Manners – Treat the suite like it’s someone’s home—be polite and respectful to everyone there, from your host to other guests.
• Arrive On Time – Show up right around the start time to respect your host's schedule. Arriving early can be intrusive, while showing up late can disrupt the flow of the event.
• Wear Team Colors – Show your support for the home team by wearing their colors or gear. It’s a fun way to get into the spirit of the game!
• Introduce Yourself – Make an effort to introduce yourself to everyone in the suite: your host, other guests, suite attendants, and even security personnel. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.
• Limit Phone Use – Keep phone-checking to an absolute minimum—engage with the event and socialize. This is your time to be present and enjoy the game with others.
• Respect Seating Etiquette – Stay seated when others are watching the game. Stand and cheer when appropriate, but be mindful of others’ views and space.
• Clean Up After Yourself – Dispose of your trash and keep the suite clean. A little self-awareness makes a big impact!
• Express Gratitude – Don’t forget to thank your host, the attendants, and anyone who helped make your experience enjoyable. Gratitude goes a long way.
• Send a Thank-You Note – A handwritten thank-you note is a classy way to show your appreciation after the event.

Don’ts:

• Don’t Arrive Too Early – Respect your host’s schedule. Arriving too early can be uncomfortable and disrupt the privacy of the suite.
• Don’t Post on Social Media Without Permission – Unless your host suggests, avoid taking photos, posting on social media, or tweeting during the event. Respect the privacy of the suite and others around you.
• Don’t Wear Opposing Team Apparel – Out of respect for your host and fellow guests, avoid wearing clothing from the opposing team.
• Drink Responsibly – If you're of legal drinking age, drink in moderation and know your limits. If you’re underage, do not attempt to consume alcohol.
• Don’t Leave Early or Too Late — Leaving early may give the impression you're dissatisfied, while leaving too late could inconvenience your host. Wait for a natural moment to say goodbye and follow your host’s cues.

Additional Considerations:

• Tipping: Typically, your suite host handles tipping for attendants. If you feel extra generous, a small tip for excellent service is always appreciated, but certainly not necessary or expected of a college student.By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your time in the suite is enjoyable, respectful, and memorable for everyone involved. Enjoy the game, make some connections, and remember—manners go a long way!