如何成為說英語的晚宴超級賓客！

How to be the perfect guest at an English-speaking dinner party!
如何成為說英語的晚宴超級賓客！
http://www.english.com.tw/modules/sections/index.php?op=viewarticle&artid=413

Dinner parties are a popular type of social event in the United States, and if you are visiting on business or for pleasure, you may be invited to one by someone you meet. There are a few things you should know about how to act and what to do when attending.

晚宴活動為美國很受歡迎的社交類型，當你在做商業拜訪或純粹娛樂時，你也許會被邀請出席他們的聚會。這裡有一些建議當事情發生時，你應該要如何應付及該做些什麼。

First of all, when invited, there are a few questions you should immediately ask. One, ask, “What sort of attire is appropriate?” This means you want to know what to wear. If the dinner is formal, women will want a dress or a business suit and men will want to wear a suit.

第一，當你受到邀請，有很多的問題你必須立刻詢問。第一個問題「What sort of attire is appropriate?」指的是你想要知道要穿什麼。如果是一場正式的晚宴，女士要求穿穿禮服或西服，男士要求穿西裝。

Second, ask, “Should I bring any food?” It’s polite to help the host of the dinner party out by offering to do some of the work of preparation. Good hosts won ask for much, but they might ask for you to bring some dessert or some wine. Even if they tell you not to bring anything, it is polite to insist on bringing wine, at least, as a gift in exchange for their hospitality.

第二，「 Should I bring any food? 」這是表示禮貌的方式，目的協助邀請你的主人晚宴為做些準備。好的主人是不會有很多的請求，但是他們也可能請你帶些點心及美酒。即使他們告訴你不要帶任何東西，堅持帶一瓶白酒是很有禮貌的表現，至少，表示作為主人熱情款待的感謝之意。

Come to the dinner party fifteen or thirty minutes after it is scheduled to begin. You won’t be considered late; this is customary. Once at the party, immediately find the host and tell them, “Thank you so much for having me.” It’s also polite to compliment them on something such as their house or the clothing they are wearing. “What wonderful dress!” he host will probably talk with you for a moment before running off to greet other guests.

在晚宴開始後的15-30分鐘抵達，慣例你不會被視為遲到。一旦到達， 立即找到邀請你的主人並且告訴他：「Thank you so much for having me.」適時讚美也是很有禮貌的，像是他們的房子或服式。「What wonderful dress!」主人將會在與其他客人招呼前與你寒喧幾句。

At this point, you should mingle and make conversation with the other guests. If you are drinking, be sure to hold your glass in the opposite hand from the one you shake with. This way, if you meet someone new, your hand will not be cold and clammy.

要說明的是，你應該要與其他的客人加入談話。如果你正在喝酒，記得一手拿著酒杯，另一手留給與人握手。這樣如果你與到其他的人，你的手將永遠不會冷冷粘粘的。

At dinner, sit wherever the host asks you to and be sure to at least try whatever food is offered to you. You don’t have to eat anything you don’t want, though. Don’t eat with your hands and keep your elbows off the table. If you feel lost about which utensil to use or how to eat a dish properly, either copy your neighbor at the table or politely ask them what to do.

在晚宴時，主人會問你要坐在那裡以便可以供應食物給你。但是，不需要吃掉任何你不想要的食物。不要使用手來吃東西，還有將你的手肘與餐桌之間保持距離。如果你感覺你不知道如何正確使用餐具或吃東西的禮節，那就仿照坐在你身邊的人或有禮貌的詢問他們如何使用。

At the end of the party, find the host again and tell them, “Had a great time. Thank you.” Don’t take back the food or wine you have brought unless the host offers (but you can take back the dishes that you brought the food on.) After the party, the next time you see the host, you should compliment them again to show your gratitude.

在晚宴的結束，再次找到邀請你的主人，並且告訴他們： 「had a great time. Thank you.」除非主人要求，千萬不要把你帶來的食物及美酒帶走 (但是你可以把留在你的盤子上的食物帶走。) 晚宴後，下一次你再看到邀請你的主人，你應該再說幾句讚美來表達感謝之意。