How to Be a Good Party Guest

Don’t be a party pooper. You certainly don’t want to be “one of those people” that are removed from party guest lists. It isn’t a choice between being a party pooper or a wall flower who smiles occasionally and never says a word. When you go to an event, you should have a good time and show your hostess how much you appreciate the invite by being a good guest. There are a few guidelines that you should follow to ensure that you are properly taking part in the festivities.

Instructions

1. Arrive on time and leave on time. It can be an imposition to arrive too early or too late. Show your hostess that you respect her by arriving at her door at the precise start time. Always leave on time. You can tell when things are beginning to wind down. Wait a bit after that starts to happen and then politely leave. Someone has to be the first person to leave and the last person to leave, just don’t let that person be you.

2. Offer to help. Planning a party is no easy feat. Offer to help without sounding like you want to take over or that things are not being done to your satisfaction. Help by hanging up coats or bringing food from the kitchen. Offer to drive someone home or pay for cab if someone has too much to drink. If something goes wrong, politely help to make it right again.

3. Mingle with other guests. Get to know people and introduce other guests to those you know. Be friendly, but not pushy. If you notice someone not talking to anyone, a casual “Hi, I am…” will go a long way to make them feel more like part of the party. Of course, he may not be having the best of days, so carefully feel him out to see if he is interested in having a good time.

4. Guide conversations. Religion, politics and salaries are usually off limits at parties. If you notice a conversation turning from a spirited debate to an argument, politely interject something that will lighten the mood and find a new subject to discuss. A joke may or may not work, depending on the particular crowd. Be careful not to control the conversations and understand that, even at parties, some conversations are private.

5. Serve as a peacemaker. Never start a fight, but always be the one who ends it. Offer to introduce one of the warring party guests to someone new. You can even ask her to help you with something, even if you aren’t needing any help. Get creative and keep the peace.

6. Stay sober. You can have a great time with out getting sloshed. There is really no need to get drunk. There is no reason to try to have a good time by drinking too much and not remembering it the next day. Be considerate of your hostess. If you drive home after having too much to drink, the person who provided the alcohol can, in some places, be responsible and face criminal charges, if you are caught or have an accident.