Meeting the future in-laws?

Question

Tonight my boyfriend's family will be coming to my house for dinner. I have no idea what to cook and what to wear. I am so nervous and feel as if something will go wrong. I really like this guy and I don't want his parents to have wrong/bad thoughts about me. I don't know what to say them. What should I be wearing? any advice is welcome

Answer 1

Don't get to nervous, about what they will think about you, because what is important is that your boyfriend likes you. Some peoples parents are not happy with almost anyone their kid chooses. But just be honest with them and don't make anything up because you will have to lie for the rest of your life.

Answer 2

Typically this first meeting happens in the parents' home, with them doing the hosting.  Don't know why things are switched in your case, but it does present a unique challenge.

I would opt for preparing something simple that I could cook well--don't know what that is for you, but for me it might be some sort of pasta dish.

Pick something easy to eat--not ribs or long noodles or bbq chicken etc.  Also, tell your bf not to be too helpful, implying that he knows his way around your kitchen.  I think that would send the wrong message to the hippest of parents.

Set a nice table, but don't look like you are trying too hard.  Make a mental list of some topics of conversation that you can use if you need to--asking them "small talk" things about their family without getting in their business would seem to be a safe way to start.

If you are clumsy in the kitchen, plan things you can do ahead & give yourself plenty of time for clean up & mistake fixing before they are to arrive.  If you are more confident when you are busy and a whiz in the kitchen, play this up and have them arrive while you are putting the finishing touches on the meal.

I probably wouldn't serve alcohol, even wine, unless I knew for a fact that this was a common custom for his parents at meals.

Wear something very modest and conservative, but somehow is still "you", and again don't try too hard.

Answer 3

Ask your boyfriend what his parents like to eat and pick something simple that you can make.  Even better call his mother or father and ask them.  Tell them you are looking forward to meeting them and was calling to see what they like eating (italian, american, etc.)  Wear jeans, and a nice top that does not reveal too much, you don't want dad to get caught checking out the girls when he thinks mom isn't looking.  Conversation could be things you have in common, and that is their son.  Ask what he was like as a child and teen.  Ask how they meet.  Do not speak about yourself unless you are asked about you.  I am sure they will be some what nervous about meeting you also.  That is why I think a call will be a good breaking of the ice.

Answer 4

wear something simply casual, nice jeans with a semi-casual/dressy top and a cute pair of heels or dress flats. Cook italian, most people enjoy some italian cooking. Look up a recipe for lasagna or chicken parmesan (spelled wrong i think lol) Ice cream for dessert and for a side, some salad and bread sticks or garlic toast.

Answer 5

Who are you trying to impress? (you, him, them, her)

Just be yourself and wear old Jean's and  a clean shirt tied above your bell button and have fun.

Let them see you for who you really are and not what you pretend to be...it's better that way.

Answer 6

Make something that you know how to cook well. Don't get too dressed up. Don't go out of your way to impress them. Really. Be yourself. First impressions go a long way, so don't make yourself into something that your not. They will like you if their son likes you. Make sure your house is clean, especially the bathroom and kitchen (you can tell a lot about a person by those two rooms). Have some photo books around so you can show them your family, ask about theirs. If you have any pets, put them out of the way. Try to keep it casual and comfortable. Don't be nervous (they can smell fear). Be prepared for the usual questions (what do you do for work, where did you go to school, what do your parents do, bla bla bla). Have a good joke you can pull out if you need to. Avoid religion and politics - always a good rule.