Being a host of Thanksgiving can be incredibly stressful. There is no doubt about that. But it can equally be stressful to be a guest, especially if you're the new person this year. Here are all the dos and do nots to keep in mind when attending a Thanksgiving dinner.

 

  • 1

    Don't show up empty handed

    Even if the place you are going specifically asks you not to bring any food or you don't know what food to bring, you can still show up with something. Maybe bring a bottle of wine or a couple of bags of ice. Just bring something and contribute to the good time.

  • 2

    Stay out of the kitchen

    If you are a guest at Thanksgiving and the meal isn't completed yet and you aren't cooking, stay out of the kitchen. Unless the person cooking asks you to come hang out in the kitchen and chat you will pretty much get in the way. This is especially true for those who may not have such a large kitchen. Just wait to talk until the food is done, you will have plenty of time to catch up at dinner.

  • 3

    Bring your own leftover containers

    One of the best parts about Thanksgiving is the left overs. However, there is nothing worse than giving away all your plastic containers because people didn't bring things for left overs. Better safe than sorry.

  • 4

    Don't dish up first

    Let other people go ahead of you unless they ask you to dish up first. The children always get their plates first and then the adults can determine who goes where. I wouldn't even be the first adult to dish up.

  • 5

    Offer to help

    Even if you don't want to help the gesture is what is important. Most of the time they will say no anyway. If they say yes they could use help then make sure you help graciously. No complaining.

  • 6

    Help with the dishes

    Hosting usually means by the end of the meal the house is a mess. Lots of people, lots of food, lots of dishes. Offer to do the dishes or at least help with the dishes. They did all the cooking you can help clean.

  • 7

    Don't tell anyone what you don't like

    Don't complain about the food. You are a guest, if you don't like something just keep it to yourself. Maybe the macaroni and cheese is a little salty, but that doesn't mean you have to criticize it. Just keep it to yourself and lie and say it was good if they ask.

  • 8

    Don't talk hot button topics

    The Thanksgiving dinner table is not the place for hot button issues. If you can, avoid politics, religion, money, family drama and don't bring up anyone's ex. Especially as a guest you should avoid these things, if others bring it up just keep to yourself.

  • 9

    Don't drink too much

    We all say and do goofy things when we over consume alcohol. Don't be the guest who gets drunk and belligerent. That doesn't look good on anyone.

  • 10

    Be mindful of dinner table manners

    Things like, don't double dip, don't lick the gravy spoon after you're done, don't lick your fingers and then grab a roll. All of those things may be kosher for you to do at your house but other people are putting their hands in there too.

More From 95.7 KEZJ