Etiquette tips for your first Thanksgiving at the in-laws'.
By Julie Pennell, The Nest
1
Do call ahead a few days before and ask what you can bring. If they give you a specific dish request, ask if they have a special family recipe for it. It's a sweet gesture, and do you really want to be the one who ruins the family's green bean casserole tradition?
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2
Don't force yourself into the kitchen. If your in-law insists they have the cooking under control, grab your wine and get out. Don't take it personally. Some people get flustered with lots of people in the kitchen. (Besides, that means you'll have more time to look at those embarrassing childhood pics of your partner.)
3
Do whatever they ask you to—this includes helping to cook and clean, as well as participating in the family talent show. The only acceptable answers to these requests are "yes," "of course," and "is there a twirling baton in the house?"
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4
Don't be impatient—no matter how much your stomach is growling. Asking when the food is coming is like asking a parent "are we there yet?" during a road trip. It automatically adds fifteen minutes to the wait every time.
5
Do try everything that's on your plate. If something is inedible, simply push it to the side and suppress the joke in your head about it how it tastes like shoe.
6
Don't participate in family arguments. Just eat your dressing, keep your head down and stay out of it. It is, however, totally fine (and encouraged!) to watch and listen as if it were a Jerry Springer episode—just keep the rooting to yourself.
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7
Do resist the urge to pull a Monica, however many cocktails or glasses of wine you've had.
See more at: The Nest
Do call ahead a few days before and ask what you can bring. If they give you a specific dish request, ask if they have a special family recipe for it. It's a sweet gesture, and do you really want to be the one who ruins the family's green bean casserole tradition?
[post_ads]
2
Don't force yourself into the kitchen. If your in-law insists they have the cooking under control, grab your wine and get out. Don't take it personally. Some people get flustered with lots of people in the kitchen. (Besides, that means you'll have more time to look at those embarrassing childhood pics of your partner.)
3
Do whatever they ask you to—this includes helping to cook and clean, as well as participating in the family talent show. The only acceptable answers to these requests are "yes," "of course," and "is there a twirling baton in the house?"
[post_ads]
4
Don't be impatient—no matter how much your stomach is growling. Asking when the food is coming is like asking a parent "are we there yet?" during a road trip. It automatically adds fifteen minutes to the wait every time.
5
Do try everything that's on your plate. If something is inedible, simply push it to the side and suppress the joke in your head about it how it tastes like shoe.
6
Don't participate in family arguments. Just eat your dressing, keep your head down and stay out of it. It is, however, totally fine (and encouraged!) to watch and listen as if it were a Jerry Springer episode—just keep the rooting to yourself.
[post_ads_2]
7
Do resist the urge to pull a Monica, however many cocktails or glasses of wine you've had.
See more at: The Nest
