Make a Good Impression at Thanksgiving Dinner

Going to your boyfriend or girlfriend's house for the holidays can be nerve-wracking, but use these tips to help make a good impression.

• Dress appropriately. This can mean different things for different families. You don't want to overdress and make your partner's family look bad, nor do you want to show up wearing jeans and a t-shirt while everyone else is dressed in their Sunday best, which would make you look like a slob.

Ask your boyfriend or girlfriend what they typically wear for Thanksgiving dinner. If you don't get much input there, then call the host and ask. It is better to ask now than look bad later.

• Mind your manners. Remember where you are. No matter how comfortable you are with your boyfriend/girlfriend, you are going to the parents' house for a nice holiday meal. Even if you aren't embarrassed to burp in front of your partner, you will make a horrible impression on his/her family.

• Bring something. Either call ahead and see if you can help out by bringing a side or dessert or just bring a bottle of wine (assuming your boyfriend/girlfriend's folks aren't teetotalers).

• Limit the PDA. Don't give your boyfriend/girlfriend more than a peck on the cheek or a quick hug in front of the family. Nothing could make the atmosphere more uncomfortable than seeing a make out session over the cranberry sauce.

• Wait for the prayer. Sometimes seemingly non-religious families say a prayer before Thanksgiving. This may not be the case, but wait and see. Don't dig into your food as soon as you get it; instead, wait for the host to either start eating or say a prayer. If you're caught with a drumstick in your mouth when the host instructs everyone to prayer, you'll make a bad impression.

• Don't let your nerves get to you. That's easier said than done, but try to relax around your girlfriend/boyfriend's family. Smile and participate in the conversation.

• Thank your host. This may seem minor, but if you waltz out without thanking the host for having you over, it will be remembered.

• Help out. If things aren't quite ready when you arrive, offer to help set the table or whatever else needs to be done. After everyone is finished eating, also offer to help clear dishes away or load the dishwasher. If you get up and head to the couch, you'll only make a bad impression.

• Don't drink too much. Uncle Herb might be three sheets to the wind, but as tempting as it is to join in the fun, don't overdo it. No one has complete control of himself when inebriated and you don't want to embarrass your girlfriend/boyfriend by stumbling around - or worse, throwing up on the centerpiece.

• Arrive on time. Last, but not least, arrive to Thanksgiving dinner on time. First impressions are lasting and you'll get nothing but glares if you arrive during grace.