The Holiday Party Season is here. Avoid these 5 Guest Faux Pas!
As invitations flood in for holiday soireés, we thought we’d brush up on the unwritten rules of being a good guest. Whether you're a seasoned partygoer or a newcomer to the holiday scene, avoiding certain guest faux pas is crucial for making a good impression - and getting an invitation to return! We'll explore five common pitfalls that guests often stumble on during the holiday season. Your hosts will thank you!
The Unspoken Rules of Guesting: 5 Guest Faux Pas to AVOID.
Arriving early.
Now, you don’t want to arrive an hour late, but showing up early is a no no. As most hosts these days are busy working professionals, they’ve got a lot on their plate and need every minute to get candles lit, hors d'oeuvres out, and drinks mixed! We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes after the start time, which will give the host a moment to breathe and ensure their place is host-ready in advance of your arrival.
Showing up empty-handed.
When someone invites you to their home - be it for drinks, dinner, or a holiday soiree…NEVER show up empty-handed! Ask the host in advance if you can contribute by bringing something (drinks, an appetizer, or dessert). If they decline your offer, you should still bring something. A few items we love (and are easy to pick-up en route) include: a bouquet of flowers, festive cocktail napkins, or a scented candle. And of course - you can never go wrong with a good bottle of wine!
Coming to the party sick.
In the post-COVID era, this one carries heavier weight than it did before 2020. We all understand an occasional cough or sneeze (it is the holiday season after all), however, showing up with a runny nose, non-stop cough, or worse - sharing that you had COVID last week - are all no-nos! We understand everyone has different comfort levels with COVID, so always check-in with your host about what their comfort level is, in the event you were exposed or recently tested positive. It’s not fair to the host or other guests to show up sick - and you might not get invited back!
Not offering to help.
Whether your host is setting the table, making a drink, or cleaning up, don’t just stand there! Always ask how you can help. If they decline your assistance, look for small ways to lighten their load. For example, offer to pour a drink for your host, clear your plate after dinner, and/or offer to take the trash/recycling out at the end of the night. Small things like this will go a long way - so your host can take a load off and enjoy the night too!
Overstaying your welcome.
For hosts, there is nothing worse than a guest who just won’t leave! When attending parties this holiday season, it’s essential to know when it’s time to go. If the host indicated an end time to the party - double check what it is and leave at that time (if not before). If not, take note of when other guests are leaving or when your host starts cleaning up or says they are tired. Be respectful of their time and don’t overstay your welcome.
