How Americans Entertain

• Americans socialize in restaurants and other public places as well as in their homes and backyards.
• Invitations may be verbal or given by email, letter or phone, depending on formality. Last-minute invitations are common.

If you are invited to an American home:

• You may be told to make yourself at home, and you’re expected to do so, and to ask for anything you require.
• Be on time for dinner, and no more than 10 minutes late for small gatherings. Large parties have a grace period of up to a half hour.
• Ask about the dress code, since many events can be extremely casual.
• Offer to help the hostess wash up after a meal.
• You may be given a tour of the house.
• Inform your host of dietary restrictions in advance. Americans are used to a variety of food preferences.
• Sending a thank you is courteous, as is phoning the day after to express your gratitude.

Dining Etiquette

• At formal dinners, remain standing until invited to a seat. 
• Don’t eat until the hostess begins or says that you may.
• American table manners involve holding the fork in the right hand and using it to eat. Hold it tines up. The knife cuts and spreads things. To use it, switch the fork to your left hand. To eat, switch your fork back to your right hand.
• If you prefer Continental manners here, you may use them.
• Meals are often served family-style or as a buffet.
• Place your napkin in your lap.
• Don’t rest your elbows on the table.
• If you don’t wish to eat something, you may refuse it without explanation and without giving offense.
• Many foods may be eaten with hands: sandwiches, French fries, barbecued ribs and fried chicken among them. Paper napkins or wet cloths in single packets are often provided so you can wipe your fingers afterward.
• If you’re offered more, you may decline. Your hosts won’t continue offering once you turn down the initial offer.
• It’s considered polite to linger and converse for at least an hour after the meal’s end.