When you are invited somewhere for a meal, wait for the hostess (or host if there isn’t an hostess) to begin eating. Follow her lead for praying, toasting, beginning and ending the meal, etc. In REALLY polite situations, she will even nod to let you know who to talk to. If it is a “banquet” where there are more than one table of guests, it is appropriate to wait for your entire table to be seated and served.

When you are invited somewhere, an hostess gift is still proper. You don’t have to go mad, but a token of appreciation will not go amiss. The person who invited you, has honored you with the invitation, honor them in return. In addition, afterwards, send a thank you note to your host/hostess. Good manners never go out of style.