A Shared Experience From The Community

"Friendsgiving Potluck"

Now that The Etiquette Academy of New England's “Holiday Etiquette Month” campaign is well underway, we would like to share one of our submitted stories to your from an individual in our community who requested to remain anonymous.

This past Thanksgiving I volunteered to host this year’s feast, and quickly began to rethink this decision, as I have never hosted a Thanksgiving dinner in my whole life!  Instead of immediately panicking, I chose to “think outside the box” by hosting a “Friendsgiving Potluck”.  

At first, I was a bit apprehensive in proposing this unorthodox plan to my guests, as I didn’t want to appear unwilling to host.  I simply wanted to ensure that the entire holiday went flawlessly, from start to finish, for everyone involved.  Turns out, my family and friends were so grateful that I was opening up my home for the big gathering that they were more than delighted to assist me in my hosting duties.  

After speaking with everyone and learning which dish they are famous for at the holidays, I was able to assign the hors d'oeuvres and the Thanksgiving trimmings to the appropriate people.  I felt that assigning myself the turkey was the best route to take in order to fulfill my duties as host.  

Not only did everyone, myself included, thoroughly enjoy our meal, but we were all able to take pride in the fact that we came together and had each made a contribution to this deliciously, successful feast.  After my last guest left, I found myself feeling genuinely grateful…not only for the amazing meal that was settling nicely in my stomach, but for the love and support that I had felt and received from my family and friends.  That sense of togetherness is what the holidays are all about, and for that I am extremely thankful.

Thank you to everyone that participated and submitted stories!  Remember to share your experience, thoughts and ideas with us on Facebook and Twitter #holidayetiquettemonth or email admin@theetiquetteacademy.org.  

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