The same rules should always apply when visiting someone’s home, whether it is the festive season or not. “Always remember to make those around you feel comfortable—dress comfortably without being overly revealing or offensive; be tactful in your conversations; and bring a gift,” Yvonne advises. She recommends alcohol, teas, herbal tonics, or exotic food from your travels.

Don’t do anything that you would not appreciate if you were in the host’s shoes. Dick Lee recalls an encounter when guests brought their friends—who were not acquainted with the host—without notice, and overstayed their welcome. 

And since it’s Chinese New Year, don’t forget your traditions. “Present a pair of mandarins to your host or hostess, using two hands, while espousing good wishes. For married persons, prepare angbaos (containing an even amount of money) for the children. It is also impolite to refuse food or drink at this auspicious time of year,” Raelene says.

As for hosts inviting guests into your homes for Chinese New Year, your main priority is to make them feel welcome and make sure they are having fun, of course. Susan Peh believes that the visit to your home should be comfortable and memorable for your guests.

“Always give your guests ample notice, stating the venue, time and dress code for the event, so that they can schedule ahead. You should also provide directions (with a road map) to your residence, with parking options. If you anticipate that parking would be a problem, consider providing valet services where there is a larger crowd.”

For Nana Au-Chua, hospitality means accommodating to your visitors’ tastes. “Plan the menu according to the different tastes and preferences of the invited guests. It is also advisable to note any dietary restrictions.” And for Chinese New Year, she cites that adding Asian-infused dishes is a must, alongside traditional festive staples.

Running out of food is a faux pas, so “it is best to space out the serving as some of the guests come at different timings,” Nana advises. “Never force a guest to eat or drink when they refuse.  Just make them feel at home and let them help themselves.”

Dick Lee’s top tips for a successful festive celebration? “Make sure there’s enough to drink, with a bartender on duty. Provide adequate food if the invitation crosses into mealtimes, and prepare enough small change for social gambling.” 

The one thing he thinks a host should never do—get drunk. “A host should always be too busy greeting and introducing guests to each other and seeing to the service to even make small talk.”

Family gatherings can be awkward, especially if you only see each other once a year. And with unfamiliar, newly-minted spouses in the mix, it is best to make small talk with tact and avoid the taboos like plague. 

“Commenting on the decorations in the home is good, as is remarking favourably on the attire that the relative or acquaintance is wearing,” Raelene shares. 

“Food has always been a conversation starter. It is good to have snacks in different areas readily available for guests,” says Nana. 

Questions pertaining to marital status, age, religion, weight are taboo. “Avoid unhappy topics that associate with death, separation, bad news or catastrophe as far as possible, if only because you wish that everyone is having a happy and memorable time at your home during this special festive season,” Susan advises.

Never lose your cool

Getting questions about your love life and career can be provoking, but that doesn't mean you should lose your cool. Instead, pick up the art of deflecting questions. Yvonne recommends shining the spotlight on your conversation partner. “You could be upfront and say, ‘Honestly, I'd rather not talk about this at the moment. Let's talk about something more fun like your recent trip to the Netherlands. How was it?’”

If you do find yourself wanting to exit the conversation however, do it with tact and grace. “Excuse yourself to greet an older person—and genuinely do so—or offer to top up the drink of the person with whom you are conversing and, after doing so, move away and top up drinks for other guests,” Raelene suggests.