How to Be the Perfect Party Guest

Are you a good Party Guest? Do you want to be on everybody’s Guest List? Here are some tips to make sure you are always in the party circuit.

• Keep to the dress code indicated by your host. Inappropriate dressing is awkward for everyone.
• When you are invited, accept or decline within a day or so of the Invitation.
• If you have food restrictions or are on a diet, inform your host accordingly, or bring your own food and quietly hand it over to the host.
• If cancelling after accepting the Invitation give at least a days notice to your host. And have the courtesy to do so personally. An SMS message at the last moment is very impolite.
• If for some reason you have to bring some uninvited guests, please inform your host well in time.
• Arrive on time so that your host isn’t worried about you and you don’t hold up the evening for the others.
• Make an effort to mix with everyone. If necessary, introduce yourself to people you don’t know.
• Take a gift to show your appreciation. Take something that your host will like and give it discreetly. Flowers are always a good option.

• Don’t drink more alcohol than you can comfortably hold. And do not drive if you have had too much to drink. Ask for a taxi to be brought or ask for a friend to drop you home.
• Start your meal when invited by the host to do so. Don’t assume it’s alright to eat last or later, as your host will be waiting for you.
• If you spill or break something, apologise properly but don’t over fuss and let the host deal with it.
• Don’t get into any unpleasant argument with another guest.
• Don’t provoke anyone with an emotional response. And if you have been provoked, try not to show your emotions. It is just courtesy towards the hosts.
• Don’t take your children for a party unless they are especially invited.
• If they have been invited, make sure that they are properly behaved. Your children are your responsibility. If they make a mess, you should clean it up.
• Thank your hosts warmly for a nice time and add a few words of praise for the evening.
• Send an SMS or preferably call the next day to thank them again. It adds a personal touch.