You are invited to a dinner with colleagues, and as you know, it is in order not to happen empty -handed. Among the most popular gifts, you hesitate between a bottle and a bouquet, and, like any good French, you decide for wine. When you arrive at the event, the host thanks you warmly, but your beautiful gift does not appear at any time at the time of the aperitif, nor on the dinner table …
Does this mean that the host is not satisfied? What are the rules concerning edible and oral gifts, and how to clearly communicate between hosts and guests concerning everyone’s expectations? To answer these questions, the HuffPost turned to label and good manner coaches, in order to adapt as best as possible according to social situations and interactions.
First of all, it is good to remember that once offered, the gift becomes the exclusive property of the host, and the choice of what will come from it. As Jamila Musayeva explains, coach certified in a label, “When you bring a edible food as a gift, remember that it is a gesture of appreciation, and not an expectation of immediate service”. In fact, it is quite possible that the host decides to keep this good Pinot Noir for later.
Especially since the hosts have generally planned their menu and their selection of wines, and that it is the choice to serve or open what the guest has brought. You will then understand, without offense, that your wine not fresh and shaken during the trip be put aside during the meal. Besides, to avoid the missteps, you can also ask the host upstream upstream what should be brought in addition. The wine may already be planned, but there is a lack of cheese or a dessert, in which case: you play.
That said, some clues on the presentation of a gift can make it possible to fluidify the reception of it, according to Christine Schaub, host of “Come on Over”, web broadcast on home receptions. For example, if a drink arrives in gift wrap, it is really a present for later, and not a gift to share. While if a drink arrives hot or cold (as in an isothermal bag), it is because it is intended to be served. As the expert points out, these tips are worth for any other edible food.
Bringing a drink to drink or eat involves a well -established communication
But, given that gifts like wine or cookies can always ask the question of being served immediately or not, you can consider another option, suggests Shannon Smith, a private cook-based cook, in Oklahoma (United States). To stay in the food theme, a bottle of refined olive oil, balsamic vinegar or craft chocolates can be a good alternative. Also keep in mind the food preferences or the religious context of the person who invites you, because alcoholic beverages and foods containing meat can be problematic, specifies Jamila Musayeva.
Finally, this last advice is mainly aimed at hosts, because the art of receiving a gift is just as important as the art of offering it. Imagine that a guest brings a bottle of wine to your dinner, but that you have already planned drinks for the evening. If you are tempted to return the bottle to your guest at the time of his departure, stop net. Instead, keep this bottle to taste it later (or to reoff), advises the expert in label August Abbott. Returning it to the guest on the landing after the evening could be considered the ultimate in the impoliteness.
You will understand, bring drink or put, although it is a good idea on paper, can sometimes be a complicated hair, and requires a well -established communication. So, the next time you are invited, why not bet on a scented candle, or stay on a good old bouquet?
