Dictionary. Com defines savoir-vivre as the knowledge of the world and the ways or usages of polite society. This etiquette or set of rules, if you like, may vary from country to country. I hope that on Sundays , you will enjoy this new series of posts on the Greek savoir-vivre. You are most welcome to share your own.
How to accept or refuse an invitation
If you have been invited to lunch or dinner at a friend’s house, it is important to respond as soon as you get the invitation, especially if RSVP is included in the invitation – often in small fonts. RSVP, from the French Répondre S’il Vous Plaît , means Please Respond.
If you are going to refuse an invitation, make sure you find a simple and plausible excuse.
The etiquette dictates to respond in writing to a written invitation. Today, however, this is considered obsolete and is maintained only at extremely formal occasions, such as an invitation from the president of the republic.
If you answer positively, you must attend and you should definitely not call for a last-minute cancellation unless there is a really serious reason to do so.
You should not go empty-handed except for business events. A small gift for your friends, some flowers, a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates are always very welcome.
As soon as you accept the invitation, you should mention if you are allergic to certain foods, if you are on diet, if you are vegetarian or if you are fasting. Do not wait to mention this when you sit at the table! It is very rude and embarrassing for your hosts – even if these are your best friends.
You should always respect the dress code ( if there is one) indicated on the invitation in order not to embarrass your hosts.
In the Netherlands, when we accept an invitationfor dinner or lunch at a friend's house, it is polite to ask whether the food has been planned or if we should bring a dish along. Sometimes, among good friends, everyone will bring a dish, so the hostess is not exhausted when her guests arrive.
Posted by: Alexia M | September 30, 2012 at 07:40 PM
Anastasia, this is very nice post. I will look forward to read more every Sunday. In Italy also we must to answer if we will go or not as soon as we recieve the invitation and if we refuse we must not say "maybe some other time". Is not polite because maybe you will not be invited again!
Posted by: Lisa A | September 30, 2012 at 07:56 PM
Sometimes socialising can be a real chore. Very often we don't really have the choice of accepting or refusing an invitation. We have to accept it by all means even if we don't feel like attending. At least, in all circumstances, good manners and polite behaviour make the chore easier!
Posted by: Lakis Ioannou | October 01, 2012 at 09:35 AM