Important Facts about English Christmas Parties I Wish I'd Known A Bit Earlier

- One traditional English treat is the mince pie.  Mince pies do not actually contain mincemeat.  Most grocery-store varieties are actually suitable for vegetarians.
- This does not mean mince pies are worth investigating.
- "Fancy dress" in America does not mean the same thing it does in England.  This is "fancy dress" in the US:

Formalwear

This is "fancy dress" in the UK:

Costume

This could lead to some awkwardness if your invitation isn't clarified.
- Treacle tarts probably aren't vegetarian but probably aren't worth investigating anyways.
- Don't tease men in kilts.  If he's wearing a traditional kilt there's a 50/50 chance he'll be carrying the traditional dagger.  At the very least he is packing a kilt pin.
- Puddings are not necessarily made of custard.  The term encompasses all desserts.
- Crackers are not food.  They are exploding party favors.  Probably not edible.  Do not investigate.
- Puddings are not necessarily dessert.  (See: Yorkshire pudding, Sunday Roast)
- Christmas pudding is a traditional English dessert.  When translated into American, the term is pronounced "grandma's fruitcake with cream on top" and by the by they are definitely not worth investigating.
- In fact, the one thing worth investigating is the drinks.  Happy Holidays!