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.
Visitors to the U. S. A. Should know that they do not have to expect a formal introduction in order to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Most times, a smile, a handshake or simply saying "Hello" is enough. While some people may find this incredibly informal behavior unnerving, it is actually very friendly.
Punctuality is a big deal in this society. People generally plan their schedules around how they will spend their time and being late for a meeting or appointment is generally frowned upon. Showing up on time shows others that one is reliable and dependable, which are very good traits to have.
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.
America has so many different cultures and therefore so many different cuisines, that it is often okay to eat however one chooses, even with one's hands at times. However, at a dinner table, the fork is generally held in the right hand to eat. It is switched to the left hand only when it is time to cut or spread using a knife. In order to show that one has finished their meal, the fork and knife are placed next to each other on the plate. Crossing the cutlery on the plate indicates that one intends to continue eating.
Visitors to the U. S. A. Should know that they do not have to expect a formal introduction in order to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Most times, a smile, a handshake or simply saying "Hello" is enough. While some people may find this incredibly informal behavior unnerving, it is actually very friendly.
Punctuality is a big deal in this society. People generally plan their schedules around how they will spend their time and being late for a meeting or appointment is generally frowned upon. Showing up on time shows others that one is reliable and dependable, which are very good traits to have.
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.
America has so many different cultures and therefore so many different cuisines, that it is often okay to eat however one chooses, even with one's hands at times. However, at a dinner table, the fork is generally held in the right hand to eat. It is switched to the left hand only when it is time to cut or spread using a knife. In order to show that one has finished their meal, the fork and knife are placed next to each other on the plate. Crossing the cutlery on the plate indicates that one intends to continue eating.
