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I have a question for the people of Switzerland?

I am going to my fiance's house to meet his parents for dinner. What should I bring what are my do's and don'ts

    



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Cordelia
Etiquette is more or less the same for Switzerland as for France/Germany/Italy, depending on where in Switzerland your fiancee's parents are from. If anything, the Swiss tend to be less formal.

Dress nicely and conservatively. Don't overdo it and don't dress sexily.

Consider bringing a small souvenir gift from your country (if you are currently abroad), alternatively some flowers (don't overdo it - just get something seasonal).

Most importantly; smile a lot, remember to say "please" and "thank you". Don't talk too much and make it clear that you respect and love their son.

Resist any temptation to drink more than 2 glasses of wine, maximum. Getting drunk would be a big faux-pas.

Compliment the mother on the food and the father on the choice of wine.

They realise you are a different nationality and will not be expecting you to be 100% up to speed with everything Swiss. Show a polite positive interest in Switzerland though - it's an absolutely lovely country.

If you are American, be aware that some older Europeans of the more snobbish inclination think that American table manners are a bit crude...

The basics if you want to eat in the European style are:

-Keep your fork in your left hand and your knife in your right hand.
-Turn the fork "upside down" compared with how you normally use it. Use the knife to push the food onto the fork.
-When cutting meat, hold the meat still with the fork and cut with the knife.
-Put the fork and knife down while chewing. Remember straight back, no elbows...
-Keep your napkin in your lap while eating. When the meal is finished, put it on the table to the left of the plate, partly folded.

The above is 'extracurricular'. Most Europeans are aware that Americans have different table manners and have no opinion about it.

The only Swiss etiquette rule that I am aware of that you might accidentally break is removing your shoes when you enter the house. This is more common in Northern Europe and is a 'complicated' etiquette issue in Europe. Some people have strong opinions about it.

Only take off your shoes if nobody else is wearing shoes, or if everybody else is wearing slippers.

Don't worry! If you are well-mannered by the standards of your own country you'll be fine!
Enjoy it!





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