We have all experienced at least once a tiring, cheeky or annoying guest. So how to let them know and what to do to avoid being like that?

Why do I write about this, when it is not food? Well, there are many things which belong to gastronomy or even fancier: to culinary art. For me gastronomy is a whole universe, and I try to revolve around it completely. Being a guest is one of them. I am not a "how to be a guest" expert, I just have common sense- I guess. It is so true things are not simply black and white. But we tend to toss out all the rules just for the sake of not offending anyone.

The rules are getting looser and looser, and it seems like less and less people really know when, what, how, why and why not to do. Don't get me wrong, I do not wish to go back 200 years, not even 50! I think today, the rules are "unwritten", and even though no one really teaches us, we know them.

To know how to be a guest requires minimal intelligence- like many other things- and it will also give you the answers to almost all your questions. There are no stiff rules and guidelines anymore about how to dress or speak, what to do and bring, when exactly to do certain things etc. Thank goodness! So, use your common sense, and it will guide you through the dark forest of uncertainty. 😉

To bring or not to bring

I say bring something. Something. Anything. Just bring. Why? To contribute, to share, to care. Bring something homemade. A drink, a cake, cookies, a jar of marmelade or pickles. A sourdough bread or a non-sourdough bread. A bunch of candles or a lantern made from a jar, decorated by you to a garden party. Flowers, plants from your garden. Seeds, vegetables or fruits of yours. If you don't have time to prepare something, buy something on the way from a local farmer- fruits, veggies or some beautiful flowers. Wine is never wasted either- not to mention the stronger ones... Bring a song or a dance, sing it or play it with the others. I would never bring a ready-made cake from a supermarket. Why? Because I would never buy or eat it anyway. Bring something you like, and the hosts will also like it. If you care about what you bring, the host -and everyone else-  will do too.

Time

It is not a crime to be late- where I come from. But it is where I live now. The best if you try not to be late. If you are, use one of the hundred thousand possibilites to communicate. Do as if you cared. Imagine you are the host, and the guests are late and you don't know anything about them. Because maybe something is prepared, which requires you to be on time. Maybe. Maybe I am an idealist. Maybe I am a chef. Maybe I am a good guest/host. Maybe. Others will judge.

Music

Constantly feel the vibe! It may change from one minute to another. As a host it is your task to follow and make sure that everything - which depends a lot on good music - is perfect. And not because of high expectations or showing off. It is because on such an event everyone is affected by the fact of being part of something which they will remember - very well.

If I had guests tonight I would start the evening with this...

to be cont...