Turkey Day: 5 Etiquette Rules for Thanksgiving Dinner and Diners

Turkey Day: 5 Etiquette Rules for Thanksgiving Dinner and Diners
An invitation to a Thanksgiving dinner is a big deal, so respect it. LightField Studios/Shutterstock
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Thanksgiving is a special time when it’s OK to stuff both the turkey and yourself, but there are some rules of proper behavior that must be followed as you and guests sit down to a feast.

Bring a Dish

Just like the original Thanksgiving when the guests arrived with a dish, you should, too. But make sure you ask your host or hostess what to bring; otherwise, everyone may show up with cranberry sauce. By working with your host, you make things easier on him or her; showing up with an unneeded item isn’t helpful, so don’t assume you know what he or she wants.
On a related note, unless you’re asked to bring a specific wine, don’t do it. Hard spirits are also on the “don’t bring” list. Desserts tend to be a safe bet, as are innocuous host or hostess gifts such as a scented candle or maybe a toy for their dog, if they have one.

Arrive on Time

An invitation to a Thanksgiving dinner is a big deal, so respect it. Even if the dinner is being held at a restaurant, be there at the appointed hour. Showing up fashionably late is unforgivably rude, but so is showing up an hour or more early. Arriving within 10 minutes of the stated start time is just right.
Sandy Lindsey
Sandy Lindsey
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Sandy Lindsey is an award-winning writer who covers home, gardening, DIY projects, pets, and boating. She has two books with McGraw-Hill.
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