How to make good impression to his Polish parents?

I've met a Polish guy who's really lovely and I am going to meet his parents soon. Is there anything that I could do to win them over (other than by using my natural charm and wit! haha)?

Is there any traditional gift or something I could take along - bake or buy - for them? I'd like to start off on the right foot!

In terms of my very limited Polish knowledge I love pierogi's, I've been to Krakow and I am trying to learn the basics - ie. hello, bye, thank you etc - as I think it would be nice and respectful to do so and use this in their company to show I respect their language and traditions etc.

Any more ideas? I'm very grateful for any suggestions!
Thank you so much...
EnglishGirl
x

No idea. :)

Thank you! haha ;-)

When you get off the plane in Poland, buy some flowers. That way you know they will be fresh when you hand them over.

A tin of Quality Street

I would keep gift ideas to the obvious. That way there should be no embarrassment.

I'm in the same boat as you are. I will be meeting my fiance's parents this year too....
I've been thinking about that also, but be polite, use your charm, dress nice, not too explicit because Polish people always look at how you dress. Have good posture and be confident.

You have to bring something. Flowers are always good. Bring a tact-ful gift from the UK, a souvenir they can appreciate, something different. I wouldn't bake anything because they might not like it, but if they do, they might feel threatened because they are excellent cooks themselves. Just kidding, but don't bake anything.

If you don't speak much Polish, you don't have to worry about having a conversation just smile a lot and show them respect.

I agree with Wroclaw and Krysia..bring a nice bouquet of flowers and maybe a small gift that can only be bought in England..like maybe a nice box of chocolates.

Good Luck to you and Krysia meeting your boyfriends family..be on you best behavior :)
and smile a lot :)

I remember when my hubby came to meet my parents for the first time...he brought my
Mom a bouquet of roses..I don't know what impressed her more, the nice gesture of
getting roses or that my hubby had on his Marine Corp. uniform...He was so handsome!

Thanks for the suggestion - they live in England too so I'm not going to Poland. Nothing more traditional than flowers or chocs then you reckon? Wanted something with a bit more character and thought really...

Thanks for all the suggestions so far by the way and the lovely comments. Krysia good luck too. Are you going over to Poland? I'm in an easier situation really as they can speak english and live here too!

xx

By something from England, something traditional that represents our culture or heritage, they will appreciate that.

When I visited my Polish girls parents they were more than hospitable and were eager to learn about England.

If you could take the time to learn some basic Polish language then this will help, it will also show that you have respect for Polish culture.

You better believe I am!! I am going over to Poland and I'll be whisking him away from right in front of his parents eyes, and kidnapping him to the USA!!!

Can't wait!!!

Remember that many Polish people are very sociable and follow the saying, "Guest in the house, God in the house." But don't let that make you think you should lose all your reserve. Go slow, be respectful. I'm Canadian, my love is Polish, and that's my comment based on getting to know his family a little bit.

Providing you can keep the massive amounts of wodka and herrings down at wigilia, you'll be a hit!!!

You must show that you like to cook and clean!

Polish people are very hard-working, clean and religious. They might understand if your not religious but if you won't be a good houswife then your doomed, honestly!

True. The most important things in case of women.

You are very shallow, if you believe this.

Okay Wroclaw, I'm just saying what I know from experience. Ofcourse not all families are the same but in most cases a lot of old fashion Polish families are that way.

be respectful... and honest!... let them know you as who you are!

Thanks everyone for the advice and if you think of anything else in the meantime please do let me know as this is really important to me! Thanks again. x

.....be your self.....

hard question ... best thing to do would be to ask your b/f what his parents like and dont like you know ... the comments above and him as a resource should give you failry nice idea. But most imporantly, don't torture yourself. His parents are just people like everyone else and should be just fine :)