Be The Best Guest

A recent post, Top Ten Tips for Hosting a Fabulous Party, outlined the essentials for hosting a memorable get together. It also showcased how to wear a really ugly sweater and still look sexy... OK, sexy is waaay to generous a word, but every picture from our Annual Ugly Sweater Party shows smiling faces!

We all love a great party, but isn't it nice to be a guest instead of a host once in awhile? Hosting is fabulous but tiring, so make sure when invited to parties, you make a good impression ensuring a repeat invitation. We've all been to parties where at least one person gets out of hand and turns a perfectly nice get together into a bit of a gong show!

Here are some valuable do's and don'ts to consider as the long weekend approaches and the parties are plentiful.

Photo via styleathome.com 

DO

• RSVP... on time! Time, effort and creativity are taken to host a fun event, the easy part is letting the host know yes or no in a timely fashion
• Be On Time - Unless you're attending an open house style get together where the host has made it apparent you can show up any time, arrive on time. People will feel obligated to wait for dinner guests before serving. Don't keep them waiting.
• Dress For The Occasion - The invitation will dictate the formality of the party. Flip flops and cutoffs wouldn't suit a dinner or cocktail party any more than stilettos would suit a bonfire.
• Bring a Small Thank You - This doesn't have to be expensive, just thoughtful. 
• Help - Sure you're a guest, but taking your plates to the kitchen and picking up a couple empty glasses on the way is easy enough. Notice we said 'empty' glasses.
• Leave... on time! Lingering well beyond the departure of everyone else is never welcome, and sure to keep you off the next guest list. 

Picture via sorrentocatering.com.au

DON'T

• Show Up Unannounced - If you didn't take the time to RSVP, don't assume there is room for you. This is especially true for more formal dinner parties where food amounts are calculated based on numbers. When in doubt, a polite phone call at least a few days in advance might be ok depending on your relationship with the host.
• Bring Unexpected Guests - Unless mentioned on the invitation, unexpected guests can throw off dinner or cocktail party arrangements. When unsure if a guest is welcome, a quick call or email will help clarify.
• Drink Too Much - Limit your alcohol consumption to avoid drunken embarrassment. Since alcohol can affect the brain in as little as three minutes on an empty stomach, try to consume a bit of food with your first glass of wine. Alternate between an alcoholic beverage and non-alcoholic throughout the evening.
• Drink & Drive - Always plan for a safe ride home. Always.

Picture via nzgirl.co

Cheers,

Terri