Different countries around the world have different ways of expressing certain sentiments that are socially acceptable by that country's standards. What may be considered a compliment in some areas of the world could actually be a slight in others. Here is a look at American etiquette and customs for potential visitors to be aware of during their visit.
It is not always necessary to be introduced to someone in order to strike up a conversation with them. In America, all it takes is a simple handshake, smile or just a "hello" to start talking to someone new. This very informal social setting may be uncomfortable to some, but know that this is completely acceptable and actually the norm.
You must learn to be very particular about being on time if you are visiting the U. S. A. This is because the people generally guard their time very carefully and are particular about being punctual. Punctuality will show that you can be relied and depended on, and makes an excellent first impression.
When invited to a social gathering of any sort, again, it is polite to be on time. If invited to a small gathering at someone's home, guests are allowed to be up to ten minutes late before it is considered rude. For larger gatherings in public spaces, there is a wider margin of error, and there is about a half-hour grace period that guests have to arrive.
As a guest in someone's home, it is normal to show appreciation for being invited by arriving with a gift of some sort. This does not have to be extravagant. In general, giving the hostess some flowers or walking with a bottle of good wine is best. Expect dinners at someone's home to be done in a family style. This means serving oneself from large dishes filled with food that are passed around the table.
Don't feel like you must go back for more food. You can say no to any offers of seconds or a drink top up without having to explain yourself. You should, however, always leave back some food in your plate at the end of a meal so that you do not look too greedy.
At a dinner table, the guests should be seated when invited to do so by the hostess. Napkins should be placed in one's lap as soon as they are seated. Mingling and making small talk with other guests is encouraged. Most individuals refer to one another on a first name basis, with the exception of nobility or royalty.
While there is no mandatory eating style in America, due to the many variety of foods and cultures present, it is generally correct to eat with a fork in the right hand. The fork must be switched to the left hand when a knife is being used for cutting or spreading. It is absolutely fine to eat certain foods with one's hands. Placing the knife and fork parallel to each other on the plate indicates that one has finished eating, while crossing them on the plate shows that one is not yet done with the meal.
It is not always necessary to be introduced to someone in order to strike up a conversation with them. In America, all it takes is a simple handshake, smile or just a "hello" to start talking to someone new. This very informal social setting may be uncomfortable to some, but know that this is completely acceptable and actually the norm.
You must learn to be very particular about being on time if you are visiting the U. S. A. This is because the people generally guard their time very carefully and are particular about being punctual. Punctuality will show that you can be relied and depended on, and makes an excellent first impression.
When invited to a social gathering of any sort, again, it is polite to be on time. If invited to a small gathering at someone's home, guests are allowed to be up to ten minutes late before it is considered rude. For larger gatherings in public spaces, there is a wider margin of error, and there is about a half-hour grace period that guests have to arrive.
As a guest in someone's home, it is normal to show appreciation for being invited by arriving with a gift of some sort. This does not have to be extravagant. In general, giving the hostess some flowers or walking with a bottle of good wine is best. Expect dinners at someone's home to be done in a family style. This means serving oneself from large dishes filled with food that are passed around the table.
Don't feel like you must go back for more food. You can say no to any offers of seconds or a drink top up without having to explain yourself. You should, however, always leave back some food in your plate at the end of a meal so that you do not look too greedy.
At a dinner table, the guests should be seated when invited to do so by the hostess. Napkins should be placed in one's lap as soon as they are seated. Mingling and making small talk with other guests is encouraged. Most individuals refer to one another on a first name basis, with the exception of nobility or royalty.
While there is no mandatory eating style in America, due to the many variety of foods and cultures present, it is generally correct to eat with a fork in the right hand. The fork must be switched to the left hand when a knife is being used for cutting or spreading. It is absolutely fine to eat certain foods with one's hands. Placing the knife and fork parallel to each other on the plate indicates that one has finished eating, while crossing them on the plate shows that one is not yet done with the meal.
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Learn the American etiquette and customs when you take the time to review our informative posts. Here is the web page that contains useful tips on how to demonstrate good manners in public at http://americangoodmanners.com.
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