By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Editor & Publisher
One of the highlights of November and December is getting invited to a holiday party. You get to go to someone’s house with other people, drink wine, spiked punch or whatever and eat their food. They do all the work and you just have to show up to it.
Sounds perfect right!?
It is, but there are certain rules that make you a good guest at holiday parties, which will get you invited back there again, as well as polish your reputation as someone worthy of an invitation at other gatherings, too. As someone who has hosted a lot of house parties, I know exactly what the host needs, what they appreciate and what pisses them off about guests.
• Bring Booze
Even if the party is well stocked, show up with something. A 6-pack of beer, some seltzers, a bottle of wine or spirits will be very much appreciated. Plus, you get to drink what you want rather than depending on what is provided. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to parties where they only had crappy beer. When I bring my own, I get to drink the good stuff.
• Ask The Host If You Can Bring Anything
Do this when you receive the invitation and also the day or two ahead of time. Any host will appreciate the gesture. Maybe they forgot something in the rush to host the party or simply didn’t think of getting, say, a certain mix for drinks or a veggie platter. Ice is always welcome at house parties.
• If A Side Dish Is Requested, Find Out If You Can Make It There Or Need To Bring It Prepared
Sometimes, you can join in the kitchen party prep, which can serve as a nice warmup to the main event. Or maybe they are too busy preparing the house to want people over early.
• Help Out By Cleaning Up During The Party
When there’s a lull in the party, take empty cups and paper plates to the trash can (or glasses and regular plates to the sink or dishwasher) and even ask if you can take a full bag out to the trash can. In other words, help out the host during the party. You don’t have to be a maid, but anything you can do to help minimize the post-party mess will have you in the good graces of the host.
• If You Have A Pet, Ask Ahead Of Time If You Can Bring It
Please don’t bring your pet to a house party unless you have checked with the host first, or you know the person well enough to know ahead of time. The other guests don’t want to be stepping around your dog or having to watch their plate to avoid a waist ambush while sitting on a chair or on the couch.
Conclusion
The bottom line is to be the kind of guest you would want at your house party.
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