Socialising 73dinner may be the focus of the evening, but it by no means
suggests the end. Conversation continues long afterward,
so expect a late night.
Be Polite, Arrive Late!
Latin Americans are notorious for arriving late to almost
any event. In Chile this holds true for social events, but not
for business meetings. Even though you may consider it
awkward behaviour in your country, it would in fact be rude
to show up to a party or a dinner at the time indicated. If
the hosts invite you for dinner at 8:00 pm, they will not
expect you before 8:15 pm. In fact, other guests may not
arrive until well after 8:30 pm. If you do arrive at the time
indicated, the hosts may be shocked to see you. Laura was
once greeted by a hostess in her bathrobe and curlers when
she arrived ‘on time’.
Attire
Chileans tend to dress up for all manner of social events
(with the exception of picnics). Even if you have been invited
to an informal dinner, the Chilean guests will be dressed
quite nicely. Younger Chileans wear fashionable casual
wear, including blue jeans. Shorts are worn at the beach
and may be seen on city streets, but would never be worn
to someone’s home.
Gifts
It is customary to bring the hostess a small gift to show your
appreciation for her hospitality and for dinner (even if she
has a maid). Appropriate gifts are chocolates, a bottle of
wine, flowers, etc. Fruit baskets are not common in Chile,
maybe because fruit is extremely cheap. If the family
has small children, you could bring them toys, but this is
definitely not required.
You might also be invited to an asado over the weekend
or on a holiday. An asado is an outdoor barbeque either in
someone’s backyard or in a park. The main focus of the
meal is meat, lots of meat, but side salads and bread will
also be served. Only if you have been specifically asked will