How to Be a Good Guest at Holiday Parties

It happens every year without fail. As the year winds down, people’s social schedules ramp up as they are inundated with invites to holiday parties. Whether it’s thrown by the office, a neighbor, family member or friend, this guide will ensure that you have a merry time at all the holiday parties you attend.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. RSVP as soon as possible. Holiday parties tend to take extra preparation due to extensive decorating and elaborate hors d’oeuvres and entrees. No host wants to run out of food or seating, so do your part and RSVP early.
2. Arrive at a reasonable time. Weekends during the holiday season are scarce and oftentimes we need to double-book. If you do, let the host know you will be arriving later or leaving early ahead of time. You may hurt the host’s feeling if, on the day of, you declare that you are leaving the party early to go to another one–-or conversely, that you arrived late because there was another party you wanted to attend first.
3. Yes, eat, drink and be merry-–but don’t go overboard. Nobody wants to hang with the sloppy eater or drunk. This rule is especially important if you are at an office party. Even though the atmosphere is relaxed, your supervisors and fellow employees are paying attention to your behavior.
4. While on the topic of food and drink, make sure to keep one hand free as you navigate your way around the party. You want to keep a hand free, and clean, to shake the hands of fellow guests.
5. ‘Tis the season to give, right? Bring a small gift or bottle of wine for the host. The gesture will go a long way. Cash strapped? Offer to help with pre-party preparation or post party clean-up.
6. Make sure to mingle. Sure it’s comfortable to only talk to the people you came to the party with, but its better form to make your way around the party to meet other revelers. This is especially important at the holiday office party as it provides a unique opportunity to get to know your boss and other members of upper management.
7. Be sure to thank the party’s organizer for hosting such a fabulous event.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t bring friends or family for whom you did not RSVP. This could throw off the host’s seating chart as well as the amount of food and drink available for guests.
• Don’t refer to the festive event as a Christmas party. Remember, Christmas is not celebrated by everyone.