Dining at Home

When invited to eat at a private home, a guest should arrive fairly close to the appointed time. The host will most likely offer slippers at the door, at which point the guest will leave outdoor shoes on the shoe rack. A small gift or bouquet of flowers for the host is a welcome gesture on the part of the guest. Depending on the tradition of the house, dishes are either put on the table for one to serve oneself or a full plate of food is brought out. Eating with enthusiasm is always appreciated, and one need not be shy about accepting seconds. At the very least, one should finish all of the first serving. When done, it is courteous to place the knife and fork parallel on the plate.

Dinner consists of soup, then a main course followed by dessert or fruit. A traditional Czech main course consists of dumplings, cabbage and pork. Beverages include water, seltzer, beer or wine. Depending on tradition, the family either clinks its glasses together or knocks the table after the traditional "bon appetit!" Coffee or tea officially ends the meal. Everyone chats during the drinks, but afterward, the guest should get ready to leave and do so unless the host suggests staying to play cards or watch television. In general, being invited to dinner entails eating dinner and chatting but is not a commitment for the entire evening.