Dutch customs & etiquette 2

• “If you are invited to a Dutch person’s home you should accept if at all possible, because an effort has been made to fit you in to what is usually a busy engagement calendar…. Don’t arrive early – this is considered impolite. Arriving more than ten minutes or so late is also frowned upon. And don’t expect to be given a tour of the house,  as happens in some other countries; this is not a normal part of the visit. You will find that everything is ready for your arrival and that care has been taken to create a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere.”
• “For people at home during the day, mornig coffee is an opportunity to catch up with friends or neighbours’ news and views. Strong freshly brewed coffee will be served (instant coffee is regarded with horror).”
• “The Dutch do not want you to spend vast amounts on presents. They find this embarrassing and a waste of money, and do not want to feel obliged to do the same in return if they visit you.”
• “… the Dutch have a talent for making the best use of any space available to them.”
• “Children often address their parents by their first names from an early age, and their parents’ attitude toward them can seem rather too relaxed to outsiders. Generally the Dutch like their children to make their own choices about how they conduct their lives. However, they do lead by example and ensure that their children are clear in what their values are.”