Holiday season is almost here and that means holiday parties are coming! Being a gracious guest is just as important as being a fabulous host! After all, you do want to make sure you get invited to the next party! And when you are gracious, you let the host know just how much you appreciate them throwing a party. So here are the rules (well, suggestions):
1. Always RSVP!!!! If you don't do this, you stink!! It's very difficult to plan things like food or gifts if you have no idea who is coming. That's why they ask for an RSVP.
2. Bringing a hostess gift is always a nice touch. It's not mandatory, but you would never catch me showing up to someone's house and not bringing at least something! Here are some ideas. If you are going to dinner at someone's house and you have not met them, I always do flowers and wine. Men, take note, women LOVE flowers! And a nice bottle of wine to enjoy with the dinner they have prepared is always a nice touch. If it's a holiday party you are going to, there are a couple options. Alcohol is always a nice option. If you are feeling a little more creative, a holiday ornament for the tree is nice or a book or candle are nice alternatives too.
3. Be social! At the party, don't just stick to your friends, branch out! Meet some new people! You never know who you'll run into! No one likes a wall flower.
4. Drink, but don't drink too much! Seriously, it's a holiday party, not a fraternity party! Just cause there is free alcohol does not give you the excuse to get blasted.
5. Compliment the hosts on such a nice party. (Even if it isn't, it's really nice to hear!)
6. Don't over stay your welcome. If the hosts are in their slippers and cleaning up bottles, don't hang around unless you are going to do the dishes.
7. Send a "thank you" note. This is not mandatory, but something that is so unexpected and nice when you receive! People who send me "thank you" notes automatically jump a notch in my book! If you don't have time to write one, at least drop a phone call, text, or email.
I hope you learned something and apply some of these at your next holiday party.
Feel free to comment on some more rules you think should be on this list!
i’d like to ditto #4 – although my husband is often a breaker of that one!