8 Ways To Be A Perfect Party Guest

Disclaimer:  I haven't been paid to promote any companies or products, just trying to help the party season go with a smile x 

Hi Honeys
Well, here we are.  We're in December and the party season is about to begin.  Time to plan party outfits and accessories... what did I do with those cute reindeer earrings?..... it's also time to dust off your planner and be organized about how many invitations you accept and, crucially, that they don't overlap!

Of course there is so much more to consider than sparkly outfits and not accepting so many invitations you end up with no time to do anything else.

When someone invites you to be part of a social gathering or to be a guest in their home it is a compliment.  They are including you in their plans and it should be treated as the mark of respect or honour it is.

The very least you can do then in order to repay your host or hostesses thoughtfullness is to be mindful of their kindness and to be at all times a respectful visitor in their home or guest at their function.  It really is a simple case of etiquette.  Manners not only maketh man they also make the perfect party guest.

8 Ways To Be A Perfect Party Guest

1. R.S.V.P 

Always reply promptly to invitations.  Your host/hostess is making plans after all, they will be investing their time and money into planning this event and may need an accurate head count in order to book a function suite or if the party is in their home they'll still need to know how many guests they'll be catering for in food and drinks. 

2. Keep Your Word 

If you do accept an invitation, go! An unexpected family emergency is an appropriate reason to call your host and cancel, changing your mind because a better party has come up or because you really can't be bothered on the day is most certainly not!  If you do have to cancel, apologise and follow up with a note or a card thanking your host for their invitation.

3. Running Late? 

If you are delayed on the night, call your hosts and let them know.  A little call saying you're stuck in traffic and an estimate of when you'll be with them will be appreciated.  Unless your hosts are very good friends, and maybe you're helping set up, never arrive early.  Your hostess might have spent some considerable time setting up and won't want you to arrive while she's still getting dressed.

4. Show Your Appreciation

Take a small gift for your host or hostess to thank them for including you.  A bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers is usually welcomed or if you want something a little more imaginative you'll find ideas here.  

5. Be A Helpful Guest 

If the party is being held in your hosts home, why not offer to help by passing round canapes or nibbles or by topping up drinks?  Your host will be, on occasion, answering the door to welcome other guests and might be very grateful for your help.  

6. Help The Party Mood 

During the evening make an effort to mingle, try to circulate and chat to as many other guests as you can.  It will help the party mood and you might even meet a new friend.  When chatting with another party guest, concentrate your attention on what they're saying, never glance over their shoulder while they're chatting. Think how you'd feel if someone did it while you were speaking. 

7. Be Mindful At All Times 

Your hosts have paid you the compliment of including you in their plans, show your appreciation.  Be careful not to drink too much. It's easy to lose track when drinks are being passed around and everyone is having fun.  

Try to never be that guest.  The one who spoils things for others.  Be aware of when the party is winding down and others are leaving, let this be your signal to go home.  If you have had even a little to drink, call a taxi/cab to take you home.  Safety first always, for you and for other road users.

8. Always Remember To Say Thank You 

Thank your hosts before you leave for including you and follow up with a card or a note next day. Your hosts will appreciate that you took the time to thank them and a little card can mean a great deal after all of the work involved in planning an event. 

There we have it honeys, perfectly simple ways to be the perfect party guest 😊 Can you add anything to the list? Have I missed anything?  Whatever you're doing this weekend, have fun and stay warm, it's getting cold out there!  Till next time dear ones, smile lots and hug even more, huggles always x