Beautiful woman setting up the table for outdoor dinner party.
Did you know that scientists conduct research on partying amongst friends?
A recent study shows that in smaller parties, 4/5 hosts said they didn’t want their guests to arrive more than an hour late.
This kind of information can go a long way in helping you maintain proper party etiquette.
If you want to be a great guest or be the best party host in your area, there are some party essentials that you need to know.
From the best dress code for your event to the right hors d’oeuvres, you can throw the best party with just a little extra research on the front end.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about party etiquette.
The Basics
Ultimately, if you want to be a great party guest everywhere from a house to arcade bar, you need to play by the rules of the host. This means dressing appropriately no matter what the occasion is.
If the host has set a formal or black-tie invitation, you want to arrive in an appropriate dress or tuxedo. On the other hand, if it is a casual event, usually anything goes.
Many people get hung up on this and worry that they will be mismatched for the event. If there is any confusion, you can always reach out to the host to make sure that your attire is in line with what they are envisioning for the party.
You also don’t want to show up too early. As the above statistics suggest, arriving on time or just a little bit late is best. Don’t arrive more than an hour late, or you are likely to disappoint the host of the party.
It’s also very important to let the host know that you will be attending. They put a lot of effort into planning and organizing a party, and many of these decisions require having an adequate and proper headcount.
Even if the host doesn’t request for you to RSVP, you can still let them know you are coming to give them more peace of mind.
Nice Touches
There are several things you can do to go above and beyond the etiquette of other guests.
First of all, try not to overindulge so that you leave more of the party resources for other guests. Hosts are appreciative when it seems that everyone has their fair share.
If you go into a party eating like you haven’t eaten for a week, they may be frustrated or annoyed.
Try to keep your conversation light and appropriate to the event. Avoid politics and religion, and don’t discuss any health issues unless you really know the person asking.
It can be tempting to gossip about other partygoers, but you need to avoid this temptation at all costs.
When it’s time to go, make sure that you have a sense of where the exit is, and when the party host wants you to head out. This simplifies the cleanup process for them and keeps the party in line with their vision.
It’s also a nice touch to say thanks either in the form of a text, call, or card.
Understanding Proper Party Etiquette
At the end of the day, maintaining proper party etiquette is easier than it sounds. By adhering to the dress code and coming on time, you will already be likely to make the host happy. When you also take time to be considerate of other guests and respect the host’s time for when you need to leave, you will be an outstanding guest that will be sure to be invited back.
If you enjoyed this article about party essentials, please check out the other articles on our blog!
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