Party Etiquette, Proper Hosting, and Dining Protocol

Sunday, May 29th, 2016

Modern party etiquette is a tricky thing to remember for both the guests and the host. There are many do’s and don’ts to keep in mind from the way you position the spoons, forks and knives; to the way the invites are sent out. Do you think you can survive a posh party?

Invitations and Responses

If you are inviting people over for some party, be sure that the invites are written courteously. Whether you are using paper or digital invitations, you must make sure that you are always courteous.

Specify the level of formality that will be practiced during the party. You also need to include the information on the place, time and duration of the said party. As much as you can, include a GPS-friendly address.

If you are a guest, you should know how to RSVP. Do this as soon as you can. Should your plans change in the future, you should let the host know why you won’t be able to attend. It is improper to just not show up when the host is actually expecting you.

Even when you have a casual invitation, make it a point to confirm your attendance or to decline it.

Never Arrive Early

While you are encouraged to arrive on time, it is not a good practice to arrive hours early. You can arrive 15 minutes early but no more than that. The hosts who feel frantic because of the preparations would surely appreciate it if you don’t arrive during the last minute cooking and cleaning up.

Bring Gifts

While you are encouraged to bring gifts or any token of your appreciation for being invited, make sure that your present won’t require more work from your host. The best party presents include scented candles, a nice-smelling soap, tea towels, and a bottle of wine.

Even better than bringing wine or any other kind of present, you can ask your host if he or she would need some extra hand.

Offer More Choices

As a host, you should give alternatives to alcohol. Remember that not everyone likes to drink alcohol so even if you are the best in bartending, you must offer non-alcoholic choices as there are people who prefer soda or juice.

Create Seat Assignments

It is not a big deal to create a seating assignment in smaller gatherings. Be sure to double your efforts when creating seating assignments for a larger gathering. Do not split up couples but do sit the quieter people next to the more talkative ones.

Never Use Your Phone

Casual parties may be more forgiving when it comes to using your phone. It is an unspoken rule, though, that you shouldn’t even peek at your cell phone during any kind of party. So whether you are attending a formal or informal gathering, make sure that you keep the ringer off.

And during dinner? Oh, don’t even think about it!

The Necessary Bowl

Remember that no one would want to wonder where they could put the shrimp tail or olive pit. This is an awkward thing to wonder about during formal (or even informal) gatherings. So spare your guests this awkward scenario.

Provide a bowl especially for this purpose.

Clean Up the Bathroom

Your bathroom is going to be one busy room during the party so make sure that it is well-stocked with toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels. Have some scented candles on the ready, too. And, oh, while you’re at it, have a new plunger placed in there, too.

The cleanup shouldn’t just happen inside the bathroom, though. Prepare to wipe off spills on the table runner or on the table cloth itself. If you’re the guest and you’ve spilt something that won’t come off anymore, then be prepared to replace or pay for the damage.

Tags: dining guidelines, dining rules, etiquette for parties, hosting a party, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, party etiquette, party hosting, tips
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