Mannered Gentleman
If attending a party where food is available , it is the duty of the guest to inform the host if they have any dietary requirements . Then it becomes the duty of the host to accommodate this , or to let the guest know if it is not possible for them to do so . A quick note on this ; whereas it is possible for a host to prepare for a guest who is vegetarian , vegan , or moderately kosher or halal , some diets are not possible for a host to be reasonably expected to cater for . Strictly kosher or halal guests might need to bring their own food , as might a guest who has a severe allergy to nuts , or a guest who is on a special diet of other reasons . If you have food preferences , such as avoiding grains for a non-medical reason , that is not something that you should mention to the host , unless they specifically ask . It is much nicer a gesture as a guest to arrive with something rather than burdening the host with everyone ' s food foibles .
If a guest is expected to bring a dish ( side dish or desert ) to the party , they would not be expected to bring a gift for the host , though it might still be a nice touch .
If you are not requested to bring food , then you would be expected to bring a gift . Flowers are accepted on almost all cultures , and a bottle of wine is almost always appreciated . Gifts that are well thought out , and specific to the host are always the most well received .
If attending a party at someone ' s house , they might have a rule about no shoes in the house . Most of the time this would be expected to be followed , but on the occasion of a formal dinner , when a ladies accessories are as much a part of the outfit as the dress itself , those rules might reasonable be relaxed . If the host is not flexible in this regard , it should be made clear on the invitation , and as a nice touch , slippers or fancy socks might be provided for guests on arrival .
As normal , table manners , general etiquette , and proper gentlemanly behaviour are expected at all times from a Perfect Gentleman , as is self control when it comes to alcohol consumption .
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