Have you ever been invited to a beautiful, big holiday party in someone’s home, but you didn’t read the fine print on the invitation?
You arrived almost empty-handed except for a bottle of non-descript wine you pick up off the kitchen counter at the last minute as you and your partner rush from your house.
Only to find out once at the party that the party was a potluck and all the other party-goers had brought elaborate dishes to share and swoon over?
Awkward and embarrassing to say the least.
From coming to a potluck empty-handed to showing up to a formal affair in jeans, this blog post is to save you from a level of discomfort and humiliation during the winter party season.
Very simply organized, we offer you 16 points of etiquette that will save you from yourself this holiday season. Be sure you read the one you’ll want to steer clear of.
The fact is we’re all doing our best. Sometimes we mess up – it happens. But hopefully our little list helps it happen even less.
The 16 Manners to Master + The One to Steer Clear Of
1. Reply promptly to party invitations. Try not to wait until the last minute.
2. Remember to read the entire invitation. That way you won’t show up in costume when the party invitation clearly states it’s a formal affair.
3. It’s always in good taste to bring a small gift when going to a holiday gathering.
4. Often I feel I’m not dressed appropriately for the occasion. Start giving thought to your
outfit in advance of the party. If you’re feeling uncertain about your outfit, try calling a girlfriend and ask her opinion.
5. Offer to help the host with setup, cleanup, or other tasks where appropriate.
6. This is a big one: Avoid discussing controversial topics such as politics or religion.
7. Be gracious when receiving gifts or compliments – or as my friend would say: “don’t mumble your thank-you’s.
8. A really nice touch is to send thank-you notes, email/text messages after an event or party.
9. Try to be patient and understanding with children or pets at the party.
10. Avoid monopolizing conversations and give others a chance to speak.
11. Be respectful of other holidays that you don’t celebrate. This is a season of many celebrations and festivities. It might be a good idea to do a little research on cultural holidays other than your own. It would decrease the chance you’ll commit an unintentional faux pas.
12. Watch regifting – enough said.
13. Sometimes it’s hard to resist sharing confidential information or “spilling the beans” (AKA: gossiping) But don’t – it doesn’t turn out well.
14. Make sure you’re giving everyone their personal space. Stay mindful of getting too close to others.
15. Don’t use your phone or other devices while at the dining table or during conversations.
16. Be your most curious. Be open to meeting new people, thinking new thoughts, entertaining different perspectives.
AND THE ONE THING TO STEER CLEAR OF?
It's bad taste to drink too much alcohol at a party or outing. Was it ever cute – even in college? I don’t know. But for certain now, know your limit and try not to exceed it. Drunk is not a good look. It embarrasses you, anyone who came with you, and it’s disrespectful to the host.
Okay that’s it for now. We’re hoping with this holiday blog your mess ups will be less frequent, your holiday season will be more enjoyable, and your etiquette game will be on point.
Happy Holidays!
This is good advice for lots more than just parties! I feel your mom in this post.