You received an invitation to a party and you can’t wait to mingle with friends and/or family. After all, summer is the perfect time for celebration. But you aren’t quite sure what you should wear or bring, and you definitely don’t want to offend your host, hostess or fellow party guests. Navigating summer party etiquette can be tricky…
Following are some basic do’s and don’ts for any summer soiree. Stick with these timely tips and you’re sure to have a great time—and score a repeat invite.
RSVP in a timely manner
This one is a no-brainer. Tell your host or hostess whether or not you can make it, and do so within the allotted timeframe. It’s poor form to ignore an RSVP request. If you have a change in plans, be sure to inform your host or hostess so he or she knows not to expect you after all.
Announce plans to leave early
If you can only stay for a short while, let your host or hostess know at the beginning of the party (if not beforehand). Allow sufficient time to greet your host or hostess and mingle with other guests before you head out.
Bring a host or hostess gift
To show your appreciation (and score points will the party thrower!), always bring a gift to the bash. Ideas include a bottle of wine, a package of loose leaf tea, a scented candle, fragrant soap, decorative coasters, a picture frame or a set of dessert dishes. Fresh cut flowers and DIY flower food are also a popular pick, but be sure to include a vase because you don’t want to create additional work for your party host or hostess.
Dress appropriately
If the invitation doesn’t specify, ask the host or hostess about the party’s dress code. Still unsure? Err on the side of overdressed. You don’t want to show up in jeans and flip flops if the other guests are donning cocktail attire.
Arrive on time
Aim to arrive within 15 minutes of the party’s designated start time. Although it’s okay to be “fashionably late,” you don’t want your host or hostess to grow concerned about your whereabouts. And you definitely don’t want to show up to the party early as this could interfere with setup (e.g., cooking, cleaning) and cause him or her to become frazzled.
Divulge any food allergies
The same holds true for dietary restrictions that are religious, medical or deeply philosophical (e.g., veganism) in nature. Keep your food preferences (e.g., your strong abhorrence of cilantro) to yourself unless specifically asked by the party host or hostess.
Offer assistance
The following phrase will be music to the ears of any party thrower: “What can I do to help?” You can lighten the load by offering to aid with food prep, setup and cleanup, and by performing any other tasks requested by the host or hostess.
Know your utensils
This one applies to those who plan to attend a dinner party. Begin with the glasses and utensils farthest from your dinner plate and work inward with each course. When in doubt, take your cue from the person seated across from you. And always place your napkin in your lap while eating!
Turn off your phone
This may not be necessary for a casual cocktail party. However, for a formal dinner party, you should set aside—or at the very least, mute—your phone for the evening. If you absolutely must take a call (e.g., it’s the babysitter), briefly apologize and explain the situation to those seated near you and step away from the table to do so.
Check before you post
If you sneak a few pics at the party (remember, you should have stashed your phone out of sight!), always get an OK from the host or hostess before posting them to social media. He or she may have reasons for wanting to keep the get-together low-key or private (e.g., they didn’t invite certain mutual friends and don’t want any hurt feelings). If the host or hostess says it’s a no-go, honor their wishes.