DEAR ABBY: I'd like to comment on the letter from the person who wrote that as a hostess she was taken aback, stunned and hurt when her intended guest asked her what foods she would be serving at dinner.
As a certified etiquette consultant for 10 years, let me say that it is actually the host's responsibility, when inviting first-time guests to dinner, to ask when issuing the invitation, "Is there anything you cannot eat?" The guest can then respond accordingly. It is not necessary for either one to mention allergies, foods restricted by culture or religions, dislikes for certain foods, dieting to lose weight, etc.
The hostess can then plan the menu by not using the foods mentioned. This eliminates any surprises or embarrassment when the guests are already seated at the dining table. –- MARGIT ERICKSON, PROTOCOL/ETIQUETTE CONSULTANTS, NORTHVILLE, MICH.
DEAR MARGIT: Your suggestion makes good sense, and I'm sure will be appreciated by more prospective hosts and hostesses than we can count.