Tis the holiday season with festive parties galore! Before you accept these special holiday invites, it’s always a good idea to brush up on your holiday party etiquette skills, just to be safe. Before your holiday social calendar fills up, let’s make sure not to embarrass yourself or your gracious hosts. Whether you’re attending a formal dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or a neighborhood cocktail party, let’s review these basic holiday party mistakes to avoid.
Arrival and Departure
Always be punctual. Arriving earlier than the specified start time or arriving fashionably late is a no-no. Don’t bring a plus-one unless the invite specifically indicates you can. If you have already RSVP’d and then decide not to attend, reach out to the host and let them know. When the party is over, it’s time to go. Don’t be that guest the host is trying push out the door. Pay attention to everyone else, when the crowd starts to thin, it’s time to make your gracious exit as well. Especially if you hope for an invite to future parties!
Dress Code
Make sure you know the difference between business casual, cocktail, semi-formal, formal and black tie. You don’t want to be the guest that shows up inappropriately dressed in shorts and flip-flops. Also, leave the ugly sweater at home unless this is the party theme. Always dress your best!
Conversation Topics
Everyone loves a good joke, but what brand of humor is appropriate depends on how well the guests know each other. Read the room before telling an edgy story since you may not know other people’s level of comfort or personal tastes. You don’t want to offend or embarrass anyone. It’s best to avoid hot-button topics like religion, politics and sex, even in a joking way. If you start going down a controversial rabbit hole, gently steer the conversation back to neutral territory.
Overindulging
Overfilling your plate through the buffet line is especially rude if most of the other guests have not eaten. Let’s also refrain from carrying more than one plate. You can make a second trip after everyone else has partaken. While the drinks may be free and flowing, don’t go overboard. Too much alcohol and holiday parties don’t mix well when you’re with friends and family. Try to balance the food and beverages that you consume, know your limits, so you can enjoy and remember the evening!
Proper Hygiene
Since many holiday parties serve buffets or spreads of cocktail appetizers to enjoy while mingling with the crowd. Remember, double-dipping or using your fingers to pick up food might be ok at home, but not in this setting! Be extra mindful of others and do not contaminate the food. Use those serving utensils and do not commit such etiquette offenses.
In Closing
These are just a few simple holiday party mistakes to avoid. Since this may be one of the few times you see some of these people for the year, go the extra make to make a good impression. Not to mention, you don’t want to be the most talked about guest – for all the wrong reasons!