Ok, so we all know the stereotype that English food is bland and English people can’t cook 😉 But, contrary to popular belief, some English people can in fact cook and even love to host dinner parties!
So, if you get invited to spend a meal with an English family, how can you impress your host and make sure you get another invitation?!
Well watch the video to learn some polite English phrases for a dinner party. You’ll then be able to compliment your host and get conversations going…….
Polite English phrases for a dinner party:
When you arrive:
Your house is lovely! Have you lived here long?
When the food arrives at the table:
That looks/smells delicious!
When you try the food:
These potatoes/sprouts/mince pies are so tasty! How did you cook them?
When you are offered more food but you’ve eaten enough:
No, thank you. I’m full, but it was delicious!
If you need the toilet:
Do you mind if I use your loo?
When you are leaving:
Thank you for a lovely evening. You’ll have to come to me next time!
Find a willing partner to practice those polite English phrases with 🙂 Ask them to give you prompts and then you say each phrase. Can you do it without looking?!
Gifts for dinner parties
As, it’s also customary to take your host a gift. Flowers, wine or chocolates are all equally welcome in English households!
What’s the best gift to take to dinner in your countries? And, if you were the host, what would you cook?! Leave me a comment in the section below 🙂
If you liked learning about these British customs, you might also like this lesson on a typical English Christmas!
10 Responses
I rarely live anywhere long enough to worry about next year. LOL
Oh great! So you get to see customs from all over the world then! 🙂
When my friends invite me for dinner in their house, I like bringing some homemake cakes to share… Always a success x
That’s a great idea! It’s always nice to have something homemade. That would definitely be welcome at an English dinner 🙂
Hi Nicki, I have been to England several times and have always eaten very well. There are many examples, but I especially like eating the traditional Lamp Pie 😊 I also love the English pubs, which have a special culture, I love that !
The gifts are the same in my country, as in England, and of course, a nice conversation should be conducted while eating. Thanks for the helpful tips!
Haha, I’m glad to hear that a foreigner has enjoyed our food, lamb (with a ‘b’) pie is indeed delicious, in fact I’m a fan of any pie 🙂 And yes, I think the British do know how to create a good pub atmosphere! Thank you for your lovely, and interesting feedback Ulrike!
Nicki, a huge thank you for the blog post, it’s really helpful and awesome. Have a lovely day!
I’m really pleased you liked it Vadym! Thank you so much for your lovely comment 🙂
When I come to England I’ll try lamb pie as Ulrike mention. My husband and son will insist on visiting the famous pubs because of the reason that they are great fans of English beer.
Thanks for the lovely video.
Haha! I’m pleased to hear that there are more fans of English beer out there 😁 Yes, definitely try a pie while you’re here. I hope you get a chance to visit soon!