When you are invited
Common sense and tradition will guide you when you are invited for the first time to an Italian party.
The first thing to do is to respond promptly to the invitation with a phone call or, more elegantly, with a handwritten note. Don’t reply via email or phone messages, it is not considered appropriate.
The second thing to do is to show up with an accurate outfit. A simple, elegant outfit will never embarass the other guests. For the same reason, it is recommended to buy a simple and not expensive gift to the host.
Usually, a bunch of flowers or a potted plant are preferred but a box of chocolates and a good bottle of wine are always a nice gift. Do not expect that the wine or sweets are immediately opened and served for the occasion, because maybe they are not in line with the menu. It is important to come on time: not too early not too late.
If you cannot make it for the scheduled time- due to unexpected and impredictable events- you should give our hosts a call.
