The holiday party invites have no doubt begun to arrive and you’re busy mentally picking out your outfits, planning strategies for getting from one party to the next in case two (or even three) happen to be on the same night, and wondering if you should bring a date or if you’ll meet someone there. Well, ’tis the season to party, so follow our basic guidelines for holiday party etiquette and you’ll not only be the stylin’ life of any soiree, you’ll also certainly secure an invite for next year.
1. Dress appropriately. Jeans and a tee shirt aren’t generally considered holiday party attire. The invite might not say “cocktail attire,” but unless it’s a kegger at a puke-smelling Irish pub in Murray Hill, chances are your hosts will be dressed up, so show the proper respect and, well, dress appropriately. Besides, this is the time of year when you’re allowed—no, encouraged—to don bright tights, high heels, short dresses, and sparkly jewelry up the whazoo, so take advantage!
If you are as useless as I am in heels, you’ll want to bring a tote with some back-up ballet flats. Since this is the season for tiny clutches, stash yours in the tote while you’re on the road along with your host/ess gifts and anything else you’re bringing to the party (more on that coming up).
2. Proper party etiquette begins before you arrive. RSVP and let your host/ess know if you’re planning to come or not—it will help them better plan their party and they’ll be grateful. If you have to bail last minute, let your host/ess know via text so as not to bother them while they’re getting ready or entertaining their guests. Never call/text/email your host/ess the day of the party for any other reason; make sure to have all the info you need from them before the day of the party. Hosting is a huge job and calling someone for directions while they’re primping, plating, or greeting is just a pain in the ass. Don’t be a pain in the ass.
If the invite doesn’t specify, ask what you can bring when you RSVP. Which brings us to:
3. Never arrive empty-handed (either one of them). Always (and this goes for any party, not just for the holidays) bring one thing to add to the party/dinner (wine, booze, a dish) as well as another, wrapped host/ess gift, something for your host/ess to enjoy at another time (an additional bottle of wine or booze, a beautiful candle, or any other type of entertaining gift). If this is a wine party and you’re a beer drinker, bring some beer for yourself as well as something for everyone else.
If you can’t afford to bring these gifts, you might want to seriously consider not going. Basically, it’s the same as: if you can’t afford the tip, don’t go out to eat.
4. Mingle. Maybe you only know the host/ess and s/he’s busy in the kitchen or talking to long-lost relatives. Seeing guests standing alone and not joining the group is a host/ess nightmare and you don’t want to add stress to a stressful event. Be ready to make some small-talk with strangers. Introduce yourself, ask how they know the host/ess; chances are if you have friends in common, you might have other things in common too. It might sound corny, but preparing some conversation topics or questions (“How do you/your family celebrate the holidays?”) in advance could actually help break the ice.
5. Make a stylish exit. Say goodbye to the people you talked to/met, then say goodbye and thanks to your host/ess. Send another thank you via e-mail or snail mail within the next week.
Plan your escape before you arrive. You will most likely be drinking, so designate a sober driver, or get there via cab/public transport.
All of us at OMFGstyle wish happy, safe, and stylish holiday celebrations to all!
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