How the British Entertain The British enjoy entertaining in their homes, pubs, restaurants and private clubs. Some British who work in the cities still maintain country homes and may invite you for the day or an entire weekend. Except for the informal invitation to meet up at a pub, most invitations are extended in advance.

If you are invited to a Briton's house:

• In England and Northern Ireland, punctuality is appreciated but you may arrive a few minutes late.
• Formal invitations may say "7:30 for 8 o'clock." This means that drinks will be served from 7:30 until dinner starts, promptly at 8 p.m.
• In Scotland and Wales, you are expected to arrive on time.
• Unless otherwise stated by the host, smart casual is the accepted attire.
• If invited to a meal, offer to help the hostess clear the table.
• The house is considered private; do not ask for a tour.
• Send a hand written thank you note to the host and hostess for their hospitality. You may telephone if you prefer.

Dining Etiquette

• While standards are changing with younger people, traditially, British value protocol and adhere to traditional rules of dining etiquette.
• Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
• Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.
• Table manners are Continental: The fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
• Do not rest your elbows on the table.
• Do not keep your hands in your lap.
• To indicate that you have finished eating, place your knife and fork on your plate vertically.

Dining Out

• In a pub it is common practice to pay for a round of drinks for everyone in your group. It is not common to tip the bar person, although you may suggest the person "have one on you", which means that you pay for a drink of the person's choosing.
• An invitation to join someone for a meal at a restaurant or pub is not an indication that the other person intends to pay for you. Splitting the check among the diners is quite common.