There's no excuse for being a boorish party guest. Remember, your host went to a lot of trouble to throw a party, so you should make the effort to be a good guest. Here are 6 tips for helping you be a guest who'll get invited over again:
1. Show up at the proper time. This does not mean you show up at precisely the time listed on the invitation. Be fashionably late; show up about 15 minutes after the party's official start time. This way you avoid the awkwardness of arriving during preparation, and refrain from calling attention to yourself by turning up long after things have started.
2. Don't bring too much. Bringing a bottle of wine is good form, but you shouldn't expect the host or hostess to serve it at the party. Showing up with arms laden with food is a mistake, as it can signal your belief the hosts don't have the food situation under control. Your food could also clash with the party's menu. If the invitation specifically asks you to bring a gift, bring something small for the house.
3. Don't make a showy entrance. Don't burst into a party. Instead, have a quiet word with the host and let them introduce you to other guests if they so please.
4. Be a polite conversationalist. Try not to talk about yourself too much, and try to listen at least as much as you talk. Do your best to find topics of mutual interest, and avoid talking about people your conversation partners do not know. When in doubt, you can assume everyone at the party at least knows the host, so this makes a good starting point.
5. Know when to leave. An invitation for drinks from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. means it's over at 9 p.m. If it's a dinner party, it's appropriate to leave starting at around 45 minutes after the dessert has been served. Try not to cut out too early or hang around until your welcome has worn out.
6. Send a thank you note. If you've had a great time at the party, let your hosts know about it. Everybody likes to get a well-written thank-you note.
Related Links:
Be a Skillful Party Host
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