Usually, your Brazilian colleagues would take you out for lunch or dinner instead of inviting you to dine in their homes. However, there are cases that when you do get invited to someone's home, it coincides with a party or any other celebration. Here are some things that you should remember when visiting a home in Brazil.

Bring a small gift when invited - Give the hostess a bunch of flowers or a token gift when invited to a colleague's home. Do not give anything purple or black as these are mourning colors. Do not give handkerchiefs as gifts as well. Sharp or pointed objects like scissors or letter openers will be seen as a wish to sever the relationship. Kids would love to receive shirts with US emblems on them. Chocolates and fine liquer are also recommended gift items. Gifts are opened upon receiving.

Arrive a little late for dinner - When a colleague invites you for dinner at his house, arrive at least 30 minutes late. If the invitation is for a party or a large gathering, arrive up to an hour late.

Better over-dress than under-dressed - Brazilians dress with flair and judge others on their appearance. Always dress elegantly in social gatherings.

Avoid lavish gifts - Overly expensive gifts will likely be seen more as a bribe than anything else.  Choose a gift that is moderately-priced instead.  Small electronics such as calculators or palm pilots are much appreciated and so are popular music CDs from the United States.

When toasted upon, take a sip first - When in a business or social occassion and you are toasted, make sure to take a sip before setting your glass down or you'll send a message to the toaster that you didn't appreciate the toast.  In addition, be prepared to offer a toast to that person in return.

Mind your eating etiquette - Never eat any foods with your fingers.  Never cut any food with the side of the fork, but use a knife to cut all foods.  After cutting, place the tip of the knife on the plate and rest the butt of the knife on the table.  Then, pick up the fork and eat a bite.  When finished eating, place your fork in a position horizontally on the plate with tines upward.

Keep your cool at all times - Mask any irritation, anger, or boredom as best you can.

Send flowers to the hostess the day after - If entertained in the home, it is polite to send flowers with a thank-you note to the hostess the next day. Orchids are much preferred.

Never send purple flowers to your hostess - Purple flowers are extensively used at funerals, so be cautious when giving someone these. However, violets are okay to give.