Anchorage Daily News

At a casual dinner party, there are no worries about which fork to use or who gives the first toast. But there are still simple niceties that will keep you on future invitation lists. Check out these tips from Jeanne Hamilton, founder of www.etiquettehell.com.

Q. Can you serve food made at a deli or restaurant? And do you have to own up to it if you do?

A. Creativity is the art of concealing one's sources. I'm a huge fan of store-bought or deli food to supplement the menu, especially for those who don't have lots of experience with getting several courses on the table. ... Do whatever makes it easier to host.

One thing I often serve is bread with poppy seeds on it. People think I slaved, but it's frozen dough, brushed with egg and sprinkled with poppy seeds. People squeal "Oh, homemade bread!" A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

I wouldn't go out of my way to tell people I've used a convenience food. But when they rave or ask for the recipe, don't lie. Either demure and say it's a family recipe or tell the truth.

Q. What are polite ways to let guests know it's time to leave?

A. The etiquette mavens tell you to politely yawn ... cover your mouth, not a full-throttled yawn so you look like a baboon screaming. And let the conversation die. If you keep feeding them conversation, they're going to stay. ... If it comes to a point where they're simply obtuse and can't grasp clues (and we all know people like that), then you do as my husband does. When it's time to go, he'll stand up and say "Well, honey, it's time for us to go to bed so these nice people can leave."

Q. If you're a guest at dinner party do you have to bring something?

A. You don't have to bring something, but if you want to bring something, keep it simple. I've had people bring me a bud vase with a few stems cut from their garden or jars of homemade jam. But you know the thing I think is more important than a hostess gift? A thank-you. It really doesn't take a whole lot of effort to write a thank-you note and send it.

Q. What's the best way to handle it if you hate the food?

A. Take small portions on your plate and do attempt to eat some of it because that's polite. But if you don't like it, you actually play with it, you push it around on your plate. The key is don't take more than you can play with. ... I've had people who obviously didn't like what I served leave creative piles on my plates. It doesn't offend me as long as they tried it.