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.
Americans place a great deal of importance on their time and punctuality. Many people have a very busy schedule to follow, and appreciate if others are considerate of their time by showing up when they are supposed. This helps make a good impression when one can be described as reliable in being on time.
For social gatherings, being on time comes with a small margin of leeway. For example, if invited to an affair at someone's house, a guest should always be within 10 minutes of the stated time of arrival. In a bigger social setting with more people, it is fine to arrive within half an hour of the event start time.
If you are a guest in someone's home, you would do well to bring with you a small gift for the hostess or homeowner. This shows that you appreciate them welcoming you into their home. You don't have to think very hard about what to get, as a bottle of wine is generally best. You could also bring some flowers for the hostess. Expect in someone's house to be served dinner family style, which is when the food is passed around the table in large dishes for you take from.
Visitors should not feel obliged to have seconds. It is absolutely okay to refuse any food or drinks and not have to explain why. It is, however, considered polite to leave a small bit of food on the plate at the end of dinner so as not to appear 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.
Americans place a great deal of importance on their time and punctuality. Many people have a very busy schedule to follow, and appreciate if others are considerate of their time by showing up when they are supposed. This helps make a good impression when one can be described as reliable in being on time.
For social gatherings, being on time comes with a small margin of leeway. For example, if invited to an affair at someone's house, a guest should always be within 10 minutes of the stated time of arrival. In a bigger social setting with more people, it is fine to arrive within half an hour of the event start time.
If you are a guest in someone's home, you would do well to bring with you a small gift for the hostess or homeowner. This shows that you appreciate them welcoming you into their home. You don't have to think very hard about what to get, as a bottle of wine is generally best. You could also bring some flowers for the hostess. Expect in someone's house to be served dinner family style, which is when the food is passed around the table in large dishes for you take from.
Visitors should not feel obliged to have seconds. It is absolutely okay to refuse any food or drinks and not have to explain why. It is, however, considered polite to leave a small bit of food on the plate at the end of dinner so as not to appear 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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