How do I gracefully decline a dinner invitation?

"Oh, I'm so sorry, but I already have plans."

That's it. Don't say anything else. The more you talk, the more you get yourself into trouble.

If you say this every time you're invited, they'll finally quit asking.

Decline Dinner Invitation

"I am very busy but that is such a common excuse..." It's so common because the only way to politely decline an invitation is to say that you are already doing something! Sorry, but that's etiquette for you. You could come right out and say: "No thank you! No offense, but I simply have no interest in getting to know you better!" But no one does that. Just say you have a lot of laundry to do or another party. But if you stay at home they will know.

Well, if it is set for a specific day, then I would say unfortunately we are already planning something with the family.

Family works good, because it is hard to verify, and people don't get offended.

If it is an open invitation, then it is best to just be upfront, and tell them, that you are not interested.

Or you can try and work out your differences.

There is also no shame, in obliging them, and going to one dinner, you may find out that they are ok people.

I've been in that situation. The question I would have is this; are these people you have to be around everyday? Do you work with them? That's always tough.

Honestly; I would just politely decline and leave it at that. There's not too much else you can do.

You have a right to socialize with whom ever you wish.

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Simply, "Thank you, but perhaps another time." Generally speaking, a polite person would not press or pry further, "Why not?" or "When?" But you can't always count on people to have good manners. Nevertheless, if you have to follow-up, "It's not a good time." Making up excuses/lies, like some timid cowards are suggesting can trip you up later and doesn't resolve the issue.

Just tell them that you have other plans and thank-you for the invitation maybe next time even though you don't want to be around these people. you are being nice and when they bring it up again do the same thing they will eventually get the hint without you having to say anything.

Weither it's a formal invite (like one that's mailed to you), or a casual one (via email or phone call), simply call the individual and politely tell them that you appreciate the invite but have prior obligations (something already planned). If they emailed you the invite, you can email them back and thus not have to call them =)

Try not to lie to them . Politely decline the invitations every time saying that you cannot attend .( no need to elaborate) they will soon stop sending invitations after a while.

Just tell them thank you for the invitiation but you will not be able to make the event. They don't need an explanation. If they ask for one, tell them that you have a prior engagement.