3 Things You Should NEVER Do When Attending A Holiday Party…

…or ANY party, for that matter.

Never bring your kids, unless they are invited. Family parties are lots of fun, but if your invitation doesn’t include the whole family don’t bring the young ones. Some kinds of parties are just for adults. You may love your childrens’ company, but other partygoers are there to spend an evening with other adults. Many of those people are likely enjoying a deserved break from the parent role and shouldn’t have to worry about the appropriateness of their language or topic of conversation.

Do not expect to put your child to bed in the guest room – the hosts may have other plans such as visiting guests or simply using it as a coat room. What do you do if you can’t get a sitter? Indicate in your RSVP that you were unable to find a sitter and that you’re sorry but you won’t be able to make it. If the host doesn’t mind you bringing your child, he or she will let you know.

Never bring a main dish, unless it is a potluck or otherwise requested by the host. I know, this one seems obvious but is surprisingly common. Of course, it is always polite to bring a gift for the host such as a bottle of wine. Depending on how well you know the host it is often a good idea to call or email the week before the party to ask if there’s anything he or she would like for you to bring (sometimes a salad or hors d’ouvres, for example). However, without some confirmation a partygoer should never upstage the host by showing up with a main dish.

Usually there is only enough seating for a portion of the guests

Never bogart a seat. I’m not talking about a seat at the dinner table, I’m talking about the seating during the rest of the party. Usually there is only enough seating for a portion of the guests. This promotes party flow and mingling. If half the guests stake out a chair the party stagnates and the rest of the guests are left standing the whole evening. Find a seat, sit and talk for a bit with your seat-neighbors, and when you’re ready to freshen your drink (or yourself) vacate your spot and find a new group of people to talk to.

Overall, try to follow the host’s lead and lend a hand when appropriate. Read the invitation carefully, follow the directions, and if there’s anything you’re not sure about, ask. Whatever you do, if the invitation is clear about something don’t ask about it in hopes that an exception will be made. Such questions put the host in the awkward position of having to say no to your direct request.

Want to look your best for the party? Don’t make these age magnifying mistakes…