Any cultural differences I need to be aware of?

[Letti0]

This is our first group of people from another country staying this weekend. The name is in Japanese and they are from Japan. We leave wine, cheese, crackers, snack foods, bottled water, coffee, tea, bread, eggs, jam, butter etc, (we are an entire house) but I don't won't to insult someone if wine or any of the other stuff is not a good fit. If you can tell me something we should leave rather than what we do I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance Letti

[David-and-Fiona0]

Its very nice you are asking. I would add slippers (disposable) to the list. Its normal for them to take their shoes off and put on indoor slipper

[Letti0]

@David-and-Fiona0 Thank you so much for the reply. I will check into disposable slippers to have at the front door in a basket.

[Letti0]

@David-and-Fiona0 Found them on Amazon I ordered 40 sets. a little pricey, but there are 8 guests showing up so I only need 8 sets. I plan to set them in a basket at the front door, so they see them immediately. Thank you for the advice. 

[Sarah977]

@Letti0  It's very sweet that you are concerned with not offending. I've never hosted Japanese guests before, so can't offer specifics, but I can't imagine that anything nice a host leaves for the guests would be considered offensive- they can partake of it or not. And keep in mind that guests are often travelling in a foreign country, and may be charmed and interested to learn and partake of what is customary in that new culture. If they expected everything to be like home, I don't think they'd be traveling to other countries.

[Helen3]

You could also get in disposable chopsticks.

I think slippers are a good idea for many guests including those from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Turkey and Asia who also traditionally remove shoes before entering the home.

However probably cheaper and more environmentally friends to get washable ones.

[Letti0]

@Helen3 I have a ton of stainless steel ones already that I bought when I ordered my Le Cresuet wok for the place, so I am covered there already.  I will make sure they are easily seen though good suggestion.

[Amy38]

@Letti0  Aisians do not eat cheese...the smell is generally disgusting to them. They like fruits very sweet.  Don’t worry too much.

The slippers are a great idea.

Japanese men drink...If you are near a world market, I would get a few bottles of Japanese beer.  And a couple of Japanese snacks....they will not be insulted even if they dont want it.

[Letti0]

@Amy38 Thank you I've learned my new thing for the day 🙂 I will swap out the cheese and crackers for fresh fruit. 

[Marit-Anne0]

@Letti0

Japanese eat cheese - cheeso do (never mind the spelling, it is what they say)  🙂 In the neighbourhood where we stayed there was even a pizzeria and some lady made a wonderful cheesecake for the church café.