How to Crash a Party

People throw parties to celebrate a person, event or just to have fun. Sometimes the guest list is small and exclusive, and other times hosts encourage people to bring friends. Different rules and sets of etiquette govern each individual party. If you aren't sure whether or not your presence is welcome at a party, here are a few ways to crash one gracefully.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• A gift or offering for the host/hostess

1. Find out who is throwing the party you intend to crash and why. Knowing the who and why is important in any endeavor. Party crashing is no exception.

2. Bring a six pack of beer or other offering to the soirée--base what you bring on the level of formality. Your hosts always appreciate knowing you aren't just there to mooch free alcohol and food.

3. Be polite to the host and/or hostess. Barging in with an attitude is not going to put you on anyone's good side or make you look cool.

4. Try to judge the atmosphere and go with the flow. If the party has a calm and relaxed vibe going when you get there, don't immediately try to liven things up by blasting music or designating the living room the dance floor capital of the world. People are often put off by this type of behavior, especially if you don't know them.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't turn into a desperate and obnoxious party crasher. If the hosts tell you to leave, make your exit gracefully. Chances are those sending you away aren't going to change their minds if you start begging and whining. Plus, no one really wants to be somewhere they aren't wanted.

• Some party crashers take things too far without even realizing it, and can end up at the wrong end of a disgruntled host or hostess's wrath. Take stock of the situation and think about what your behavior could cost you in the future (lack of invites) or in the present (injury).