Party Etiquette

Happy New Year everyone! In this New Year, many of us have resolved to spend more time with friends and family. As the invitations start coming in to the many soirees you plan to attend in 2012, you may also want to resolve to brush up on your party etiquette as well.


1) Always RSVP.

 I have to confess, this is actually my own personal resolution for 2012. If you ever hosted a party you know how aggravating it is to plan when your guest don't indicate whether they are coming. You've got to commit. One of your friends has gone through the trouble of throwing a little shindig and has thought that you are special enough to be invited to this event. You know more or less what is happening in your life in 2 weeks and you need to respond to this gracious invite with a yes or no. Of course there may be a few exceptions, but all of these exceptions fall into the emergency situation where a prompt phone call and a perfuse apology will suffice. If you feel the need to make up a story or you are worried that your friend won't accept the excuse, then you probably don't have a good enough reason and need to suck it up and get ready to have a great time with your friends!

2) Don’t arrive too early!

Unless you are attending a wedding (you never want to be late for these) or a formal dinner party, or unless you are BFFs with the party thrower and are coming to pitch in and help, arriving early can derail your host. I once hosted a bridal shower for a friend and one of the guests who I had never in my life met showed up 45 minutes early!!! I was just about to get myself ready to great my guests so I just go her working on some last minute items.

3) Don't arrive late.

Arriving up to 15 minutes after the stated start time is what is known as fashionably late, after that you need to have warned your host in advance that you are coming later. I once had some guests of guests show up an hour after my evening soiree had ended (at 1 AM) and thought I should open up my home to them - ahem I don't think so.

4) Offer to bring something!

Your host was thoughtful enough to include you in the gathering of friends, show your appreciation with a token gift. It does not have to be expensive, just thoughtful. As boring as it may sound, everyone appreciates a bottle of wine, but you if you are feeling creative, whip up a treat for the host and present it in a new dish. Other well-appreciated options include fine tea towels or linens, a wine opener (especially at a house warming or almost always needed if it is moving day), or how about a bottle of bubbly and edible wild hibiscus flowers in syrup (a delicious treat that is always a hit).

5) Don't be a party pooper!

Your host, has really done all of the work. The food, drink and fellow guests are there for you to enjoy. It is your job to enjoy and have fun. Not too much to ask.

Any other party etiquette tips that I've missed?