Guest Etiquette

My friend Sandy has this saying painted on her dining room wall. I love it! She is such a wonderful host and a fabulous cook!

There is nothing nicer than being invited to dinner. All you have to do is show up and enjoy yourself. Well not so quick.

1. As the Ode to a Guest blog says, r.s.v.p. as soon as you can (either way, if you can or cannot attend).

2. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions let your host know. Please don't ask what's on the menu. They'll probably tell you but let them do it.

3. If dinner is at 6:00p.m. then arrive at 6:00p.m. Please don't be early. We've all been there when you are the host and at the last minute oh my gosh I forgot to get happens.....you rush out to the store only to arrive back home and the guests are early. So please guests, arrive at the designated time.

4. If you bring a host gift such as a bottle of wine or chocolates don't expect that they will be opened that evening. Your host has probably already planned everything. It is just that, a gift.

5. It's always nice to offer assistance to your host albeit pouring wine, mixing salad, what ever they need. They may not need it but......it's good manners.

6. Be engaging! It's always good to remember to keep the conversation light, positive, neutral. It's also an excellent time to practice your good listening skills!

7. The host will always initiate each course (unless you are told otherwise).

8. It is impolite to ask for more please! It's always best to wait for the host to offer.

9.Be aware of your alcohol consumption. You don't want to leave a lasting impression that you did not intend.

10.Don't overstay your welcome. Linger about 2 to 2.5 hours after dinner is completed.

11. When you depart thank your host(s).

12. It's always nice to send flowers the next day with a personal hand written note thanking for a lovely evening.

Tallyho!

Jacqueline

Hints

Okay so here are some hints as to who the canadian innovators on my blog "Where would we be if.......

First one owned a t.v. station now owns a magazine and a radio station.
Second one was a piano player extraordinaire.
Third one--BCE Takeover Bid to own this company--which is his last name.

The Innovators of Niagara are coming!!!

Cheers!
Jacq.

Ode to a Guest

You've been invited
I hope you're delighted
As I am thoroughly so

I can't hardly wait
And do anticipate
A wonderful evening by jo!

r.s.v.p.
a.s.a.p.
Just as soon as you can
As the date has been set
And joyfully planned

Your company is required
To begin the show
So please let us know
If you will be a yay or a no

Enchante
Jacqueline

Food, Food, Glorious Food

Okay so right now I am watching on television The Great Canadian Food Show. I love this show! It stars the one and only Carlo Rota, the man with the sexy voice, sumptuous eyes and fabulous sense of humour. You may know him as the guy on 24 with Kiefer Sutherland or as the father to Reyanne on Little Mosque on the Prairie. I like to think of him as the Afternoon (Gastronomic) Delight of T.V.

This show is funny and witty with the charisma of Carlo exuding all over the place. Not only are you treated to the beautiful vistas as Carlo criss-crosses Canada in search of "The Great Canadian Food" you are also enchanted with stunning visuals of the food, Carlo's willingness to try all things new and his linguistic gymnastics in describing the heavenly delights.

As the show progresses, like an Opera, the mood is foretold in the highs and lows of the orchestral music. The loud and soft, the whisper to the crescendo. From the appetizers to the desserts and everything in between. Right now we have built to the crescendo and the music playing is none other than my favourite piece of music (I always think of Torville and Dean) Bolero. It is all at once fantastic and brilliant with such wit and humour thrown in to alleviate what could be total snobbery. Tongue and Cheek with so much charm and whimsy!

Carlo entertains and educates and finishes with a little reminder about the simple pleasures in life. Food, wine and the joy of sharing. That's what it's all about.

Ciao!
(Carlo says that)