Put down the tin foil.
There’sno excuse for bad manners.
But sometimes,matters of etiquetteprove trickier than you might expect.
Credit: BRETT STEVENS/Getty Images
Can your host possibly eat all of that extra food?
We’re here to set the record straight when it comes to leftovers.
Consider this yourSouthern Livingguide to the modern manners of leftovers.
Credit:ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN
Be polite, or die trying, y’all.
Is It Appropriate To Take Home Party Leftovers?
In a word, no.
Leftovers should be left behind.
Let’s discuss some of the particularly tricky scenarios involving leftovers.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions and moldy casseroles.
You’d never consider taking back a host gift, would you?
Leave the unopened items alone.
They belong to your host now.
(But maybe next time you should actually bring something they like.)
Basically, in these situations with close friends and family, read the room.
Will taking your leftovers make their lives easier or more difficult?
We’ll trust your judgment here.
And finally…
The Worst Leftovers Faux Pas
This is no exaggeration.
Shoveling scoops of other guests' leftover dishes onto your own to-go plate is a no-go.
You are not a raccoon.
Bottom line: When in doubt, leave your leftovers behind.
At the very least, you’ll never be accused of gluttony.
