Take the stress out of this party season and brush up on your party etiquette. Discover what to bring, when to arrive, and other great etiquette tips from our friends at Southern Protocol, an etiquette company that believes you should always be gracious, stylish, and charming.
Is arriving fashionably late really fashionable?
There is no such thing as fashionably late. Guests are expected to arrive no later than 5-10 minutes after the arrival time listed on the invitation. In most cases 15 minutes is acceptable. If you are going to be any later than 15 minutes, you should call the host/hostess to let them know. Don’t expect the party/dinner to wait on you. NEVER show up to a party early unless asked to do so by the host/hostess.
Should I always bring a hostess gift?
There is no real “rule” on when to or when not to take a hostess gift. Our general thinking is that if the party/dinner is hosted by a family with whom you frequently visit no gift is required. If it is a first time visit a small gift would be appropriate. Consider what you know about the host/hostess when deciding on a gift. It would be considered inappropriate to give someone who does not drink alcohol a bottle of wine, etc. If you are completely unsure of whether or not to take a gift – you could attend the party empty handed and get a feel from the other guests actions. If the majority of guests did bring a gift, a nice gesture would be to send flowers with a nice note of appreciation the day following the party.
How long should you stay at a party?
The typical “rule of thumb” is that it is respectful to stay for about an hour after dinner. The best way to know is to take clues from the people at the party/dinner. When the other guests begin to leave, you should follow suit unless asked to do otherwise by the host/hostess. If everyone is still at the party and the host/hostess start to drop clues about how late it is or how early their day tomorrow is going to be, don’t be afraid to be the first to go. Hopefully the other guests will follow.
How do I know if I can bring a guest?
You can only bring a guest if you have been told directly, either on the invitation or in person by the host/hostess that it is ok. You need to let the host/hostess know if you are bringing a guest prior to the party. NEVER ask the host/hostess if you can bring a guest. This “rule” is also true with children. If the children’s names are not on the invitation or have not been specifically invited by the host/hostess themselves – they are not invited.
Discover more etiquette tips and how to stress less about what to wear during this holiday party season, by joining my free teleclass on December 3, 2008. My friend Michelle Salater, owner of Michelle Salater Writing & Editorial, LLC, will host a free, hour-long call with me to discuss tips on how to survive the holidays in style. The holidays are packed with parties, concerts, shopping, dinners, parades and the list goes on. With so much on your plate, the last thing you should have to worry about is what to wear. Sign up now!
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