Not gonna lie… I’m guilty of a couple of the rudest behaviors at Thanksgiving dinner. I never thought of some of these as rude until I looked back at the times I DID these things. Then I had the “Oh YEAH!” moment of recalling a family member being less than pleased in that moment. Thanksgiving is a time for getting together with friends and family, but it doesn’t mean everything in 100% smooth sailing.
This isn’t on the list, but this is also definitely a no-no. My co-worker told me his family drove Up North to his uncle’s for Thanksgiving dinner the day after, Friday. The uncle had Thanksgiving dinner the day before and gave them all leftovers! Plus, they were there to help him with work in his house! After they finished the work, they ended up going to McDonald’s. That uncle is not on the “nice” list for those shenanigans.
A friend of my sister always shows up for gatherings with HER OWN TUPPERWARE. She doesn’t like to cook, so she eats and takes some home. I would not personally show up with my own tupperware (even with family) unless I was explicitly told to bring my containers and expect to take home leftovers, but that’s just me.
Etiquette experts have weighed in to give us their top answers on what you SHOULDN’T do this Thanksgiving.
The 8 Rudest Behaviors at Thanksgiving Dinner
Bringing Dishes That Require Cooking
GUILTY. In my defense, it was green bean casserole. I use fresh green beans and I like for them to be cooked, but still maintain that bright green color. My sister was hosting Thanksgiving and I brought the casserole uncooked. She never SAID anything to me, but I think she was annoyed. Hindsight being 20/20, I get it. There’s only so much room in the oven. Ultimately, I paid the price. My casserole ended up being undercooked and I was disappointed.
Not RSVP-ing
#VALID If you took the time to get dressed and travel there, the least you can do is TELL THEM YOU’RE COMING. To be clear, RSVP at least a week ahead of time. If someone is nice enough to invite you over for Thanksgiving, you should be nice enough to let them know how many people to plan for when shopping and figuring out seating.
Only Talking to People You Know
Crap. Guilty. If I don’t get introduced to an unfamiliar face, I may be known to bypass them in the moment. I can’t recall a Thanksgiving gathering where I didn’t know everyone, but it’s never a bad idea to introduce yourself first. I always try to remember the other side of the coin: if I didn’t know people at a Thanksgiving gathering, I’d appreciate it if they introduced themselves. I should extend that same courtesy.
Showing Up Empty-Handed
Listen. I am not the best cook, so sometimes, I cook nothing. #GUILTY My sister is a really good cook. It can be intimidating. Also, sometimes my work schedule doesn’t allow me time for food prep. I’m usually in charge of pretzels and hummus.
Asserting Yourself in the Kitchen Without Being Asked
Dude. Do NOT go into your host’s kitchen and start taking over the meal. I have never personally experienced this, but I would be livid if this was done to me. You have to ask, “Do you need any help?” first.
Assuming You Can Take Leftovers
Chances are, there will be leftovers, but you have NO IDEA what the host’s plans are for them. If you get asked to take home leftovers, SCORE, but never assume.
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Hanging Around Too Long After Dinner
Ya ain’t gotta to go home, but you can’t stay here. Use common sense to figure out when “GO TIME” should happen.
Visiting Depot Town is like “going back in time..” (Nice!)
