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If for any reason a guest has to leave the table during a meal, he or she should ask the hostess, "Would you please excuse me for a minute?" When the meal is finished, the guests put their napkins on the table and rise. Guests do not fold their napkins in the original folds unless they are house guests and intend to stay for more than one meal. Following dinner, guests usually stay for two or three hours, but the thoughtful person is careful not to overstay his or her welcome. The host and hostess may urge a guest to stay longer in order to be polite, but most dinner parties break up at about 11 o'clock. As the guests leave, it is the custom to thank the hostess for a very pleasant evening. One may say anything that expresses appreciation. Common expressions are: "Good-bye. It was so nice of you to have me," or "Good-bye. It's been a thoroughly enjoyable evening," or "Thank you. I've had a very nice time." For larger favors than a dinner party, such as an overnight or weekend visit, it is customary to send a thank-you note.
如果有客人在用餐时因为任何原因需要离席，那么他或她应该询问一下女主人：“介意我离开一会吗？”用餐结束，客人把餐巾放在桌上并起身。客人无需把餐巾折叠成原来的样子，除非他们要过夜，或者打算留到下一顿饭。吃过饭客人通常待两到三小时，但是有心思的人都会注意不要停留过久，以免招人厌烦。男女主人为表示礼貌会要求客人再多待一会，但大多数聚餐都会在十一点结束。客人走的时候都会习惯性地感谢女主人带给他们一个愉快的夜晚。人们会说一些表示感激的话。普遍的表达是：“再见，您能招待我真是太好了”，“再见，今晚让我非常享受”，或者“谢谢您，我玩得很愉快”。比请客吃饭更隆重的招待是通宵或周末聚会，这在传统上是要寄感谢信的。 ——译文来自: chuiq