Don’t cause an embarrassing scene this holiday season!

The No-Goes Before Hosting a Holiday Party:

Before anyone even walks through the door you have to ask your guests whether they have any food sensitivities or allergies. I’m allergic to nuts and this is a big deal.

When you’re setting the table, never put the fork on top of the serviette- huge faux pas. Guests need to be able to access the napkin.

You also shouldn’t set an enormous flower arrangement in the middle of the table. Flowers shouldn’t block your view of the guests or interrupt the conversation!

Next, not having any fancy drinks for the DD or non-drinkers is a big faux pas. You can have club soda, tonic water, bitters, fruit juice, apple cider, and more on standby to make the holidays festive for the non-drinkers.

Out of the Dining Room Faux Pas:

Burning scented candles are faux pas for a variety of reasons. I have asthma and I might come over and start struggling to breathe because of the scent. The other reason is if you are cooking, your candles may contradict the food and now the smell is foul and the food doesn’t taste as good. A safer bet is to use LED candles. Not only will they not smell, but they also won’t start a fire when somebody’s toddler knocks it over.

A gross faux pas is only having one small towel in the powder room. Use printed paper towels and a garbage can or a basket of hand towels with a receptacle for them to be placed and washed when the party is over. It’s more hygenic and more elegant.

Guest Faux Pas

Forgetting to bring a host gift! Explains a variety of appropriate house gifts. And if that house gift happens to be alcohol and nobody drinks it at the party, don’t assume you can have it back and that really carries over to food or anything else consumable.

If you’re a guest and a parent, don’t just assume you can bring your kids. Always ask if the invitation is extended to the kids and in general, don’t bring extra guests or pets without asking. And lastly, it’s the holidays- put your phones away at the table and enjoy the company in the room!