The Christmas holidays are the perfect time to spread love and joy to the people in your life, including your friends, family, and co-workers. It’s one of the few times you celebrate the past year and share your hopes and dreams for the coming year. Statistics show that in 2019, 45% of people attended private Christmas parties. It’s an extremely busy season, and if you’re a very social person, your holiday calendar might get filled in a matter of weeks. It’s fairly easy to get into the groove of attending festive events, but it’s also extremely easy to become that guest who is constantly killing the vibe of a party. Your party etiquette matters no matter the type of party you’ll be attending, whether it’s with your family or colleagues. Here are some great tips to help you become a favorite among party hosts.
1. Attend parties with gifts
As a guest, it’s always thoughtful to carry a gift to any party you attend. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive or elaborate. It could be a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine. Suppose you’re attending a celebration where you would be expected to exchange gifts. In that case, please resist the urge to re-gift something you already received and try to pass it off as something you purchased. This way, your gift will communicate that you put some thought into it, no matter who the recipient is. Additionally, ensure you also wrap your gifts with the appropriate wrapping paper. If you’re concerned about wastage, you can use recyclable wrapping paper.
2. Bring along food
Planning a Christmas party is no small feat, and as a guest, you can help take the stress off your host by bringing some food with you to the party. Not only would it ease the pressure off your host, but it also speaks well of you. However, it would be best if you spoke with your host beforehand to receive the all-clear, as some hosts might take offense, or you don’t bring duplicate dishes. You don’t have to be an expert chef or cook to prepare a dish; it can be something as simple as a great party snack. Appetizers like the loaded Christmas puppy chow are excellent options, and it would liven up the mood as guests wait for the party to get started.
3. Eat and drink moderately
Christmas parties are about letting loose and socializing after a long year of work. But that doesn’t mean you must be the guest who indulges excessively and loses control. You also don’t want to be that guest that wastes food. Instead, try to eat and drink as moderately as possible; be mindful of how much alcohol you consume during all the excitement. Your actions can determine if you will make it on future guest lists.
With these tips in mind, you can now be the perfect guest at every Christmas party you attend, and your hosts and the other guests will love to have you always. Have a wonderful time!