Sunday's Greek Savoir-Vivre - When Invited to Dinner...

• We never arrive earlier than the time specified on the invitation unless we have kindly arranged that with the hosts. Neither do we arrive much later as this will, most probably, embarrass our hosts and spoil their plans.  According to the Greek etiquette, arriving 15 minutes later is the perfect timing. 
• We ask our hosts if there is a seating arrangement. If not, we choose a seat at the dinner table and avoid chnanging seats or moving around the table.
• When accepting an invitation to dinner, we kindly ask if there is a dress code.
• The departure of the guests must be made gradually so that our hosts do not feel that right after dinner their guests wish to leave. On the other hand, we do not prolong our visit after the last guests have left.
• We never wrangle with the guests as this will certainly embarrass everyone and create a negative ambiance.
• We never sink into the sofa and avoid stretching our arms or yawn!
• We set our mobile phone to silent. Should we need to answer it, we apologise and make sure our conversation is as brief as possible.
• If we are invited to a restaurant, our hosts will pay the bill. We thank our hosts and do not argue when the bill arrives.
  

Comments

[Sophia]

Thanks for the helpful tips, Anastasia. I was just wondering if it's ok to pay the hostess a compliment, for example how lovely she looks or what a nice dress she is wearing.

[Christina]

I would like to ask if it's good manners to offer to help the host / hostess clear the table.

[Constantinos T]

If I could just add a tip to your post,I think that chatting too much at the dinner table is emabarrassing and annoying for both the hosts and the other guests. I was invited to a dinner party last Friday and I was unlucky enough to sit next to an extremely talkative lady. She definitely spoilt my mood!

[Laura]

When invited to dinner in the UK, it's important to be punctual.

[Anastasia]

If your hosts are family or close friends, you can offer toi help.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

[Anastasia]

Yes, it's OK to pay the hostess a compliment if this is sincere and heartfelt.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

[Stefania]

What annoys me as a guest for dinner is that people never switch off their mobiles! I find this very rude, especially if they ring all the time!

[Lisa A]

In Italy is not polite to ask what to wear. When the dinner is offer by a friend we wear clothes which they are not too casual but also not too formal. And the same for restaurants.