Traditionally, Christmas is a special day for celebrating with our close family/friends. Additionally, a rare chance to see distant relatives who we don’t get to see so often! During Christmas dinner, it is important to be respectful of your guests if you are hosting, and vice versa if you are a guest. So knowing the right dining etiquette for a traditional British Christmas dinner can be really helpful. But don’t worry, Here are some dining etiquette tips for the big day!
Hosting a Traditional British Christmas Dinner This Year?
To minimise stress as much as possible here are some useful tips:
- When inviting guests, it is best to do it in person or over the phone.
- Try to confirm the number of guests as soon as possible.
- Ask your guests if they have any food intolerances/allergies.
- Preplan the dinner, and any tasks you need to do
- Decorate the table at least a day before the big day
- Use your best crockery and cutlery
Remember if you are stressed, the tension will also be felt by your guests. If you are relaxed, in control, and having a good time, your guests will feel this too. Guests should at all times be made to feel welcome and comfortable.
How to be the Perfect Guest
Dining etiquette for a traditional Britsh Christmas dinner will mainly come down to how you behave as a guest. There are some simple steps you can follow, and memorise.
- Let the host know you will be coming and if you are bringing anyone with you.
- Arrive on time and plan your journey in advance. (Remember people’s time is so precious, it can be disrespectful to leave them waiting.)
- If the Christmas dinner is buffet service, do not overload your plate. Be wary of your portions to make sure everyone receives a fair amount of food and sauce/gravy. (Do not take too long to select your food as you do not want to cause a traffic jam!)
- State to the host if you will be having alcohol so that glasses can be removed from the table if not.
- Let the host know well in advance if you have any allergies
- Keep conversation topics positive and uncontroversial. You do not want to offend anyone or create heated discussions at the dinner table.
- Put away your phone. This is a rare occasion where you get to spend time with your loved ones. Be present.
- Never arrive empty-handed. Always bring a gift for the host.
Good Conversational Topics
Good conversation is very important when following dining etiquette for a traditional British Christmas dinner. Making conversation flow during your traditional Christmas dinner is key to keeping the atmosphere right. You want every guest to feel comfortable and have a good time. Make sure that you do not ever speak over people or interrupt them. Make sure you listen to what others have to say and do not speak too loudly. Every guest should feel important at the table too, so make sure you engage everyone in conversation at some stage. Nobody should feel ignored, or left out.
Topics of conversation are also extremely important to get right. Keep the topics positive and sweet and ask questions that are easy to answer. Give everyone a chance to speak and listen carefully. Here are some good example questions to ask:
- What are your plans for the new year?
- What presents did you get?
- How’s work/studies going?
- How are the kids?
- Do you have a new years resolution?
Bad Conversational Topics
Avoid controversial topics that may cause tension or arguments across the table. There are certain subjects that you should never discuss during a traditional British Christmas dinner. It is considered inappropriate and unsuitable to discuss business, money and politics. Even though politics may seem like a relevant topic to discuss, this is definitely a subject you want to avoid completely. People can have completely different political views or can take offence. This is not a discussion you want to have at your traditional British Christmas dinner!
Not so Confident in Your Dining Etiquette? We Can Help!
We can get you ready for a traditional British Christmas dinner, and beyond. Polo & Tweed are world-leading training providers to students all over the world, with an online academy for all the courses too – including Online Etiquette training! Anyone will be able to learn so much from the online Etiquette training course. The online course will provide you with a certificate upon passing your final assessment. Contact us now to learn more about your possibilities. We look forward to getting you started on your path to being a dining etiquette expert.