BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Be a Proper Guest at a Party

By eHow Culture & Society Editor

Rate: (13 Ratings)

A great guest responds promptly to the invitation, arrives fashionably late, acts cheerful and friendly, and isn't the last one to go home.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Flowers
Wines
Cologne
Perfume

Step1

Respond to the invitation in a timely manner. Use the method indicated: phone, mail or e-mail.

Step2

Bring a friend only if you receive an invitation for you and a guest. Your hosts may have a food, budget or space limitation.

Step3

Go with the spirit of the party. If there's an occasion, such as a housewarming, bring a gift. If it's dressy, wear your fancy duds. Costume required? Dig into your closet and get creative.

Step4

Prepare. Read up on current events; think of a few good stories; recall a few movies, books or plays. Try hard not to be shy or cranky'for your host's sake, if not your own.

Step5

Arrive reasonably close to the starting time. The starting time for a cocktail party tends to be looser than it is for a dinner party, which requires punctuality. Fashionably late means no more than 30 minutes past the indicated time.

Step6

Seek out your host or hostess and say hello as soon as you arrive.

Step7

Make an effort to mix and mingle cheerfully. Don't just hide out in a corner chatting with a clique.

Step8

Know your alcohol limits and don't exceed them. Take into consideration your energy level, food intake and drink size. Nothing's more rude than ruining a party with inappropriate behavior.

Tips & Warnings

If you know your hosts, you might call and ask about the dress code, if the invitation doesn't make it clear. Or ask another guest who's attending.
Decide whether a gift is appropriate. Flowers or a bottle of wine is a nice thought for a dinner party; a six-pack of beer or soda is a good idea for a barbecue.
Never arrive early; your hosts may not be ready to receive guests.

Comments

thegooch said

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on 7/7/2008 Drink lots
Throw up in their new prize winning garden
Hit on their relatives to make them uncomfortable
Try to get people to sing a gay pride song with you
Make up embarassing events that never happened.
Say things like "sturdy dining table, wonder if you could make whoopee on it."
Ask questions like "So did putting makeup over your wart work? Looks like you did a good job hiding it."

edog said

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on 7/2/2008 my tip is go to the party, be your self, and if no one likes you, don't worry about it and move on to greener pastures.

who cares about those uptight chodes anyway?

litto43ph said

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on 7/1/2008 A very nice article, appreciate it...i'll share it with my friends. keep up the good work.Thanks!!

Fike said

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on 6/30/2008 Good tips! I would add that it does however depend on the type of party and your relationship to the host.

AngelCareGiver said

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on 6/30/2008 This is a GREAT article. Hard to believe that today's folks need direction on something so basic. Yet many folks just don't get it nor do they appreciate that real people who consider them a friend, have invited them to their home. It is and should always be considered an honor to be invited to someone home or special occashion. God Bless You for Your Article!