Tag Archives: party guests

Ten Stupid Things That Guests Do: Count Them!

Some of the following tips may seem as obvious and unnecessary as one I found in old driver’s manual about not sleeping on the railroad tracks, but you would be surprised how many people forget their manners. Such action can knock the best of us a few rungs off the social ladder not to mention the “invite again list” of the harried host or hostess. Consider the following and then…don’t! 1. Do not neglect to show up. A host or hostess will always remember that you didn’t care enough to come through. 2. Always dress appropriately. Low-cut latex at church … Continue reading →

Dinner Gaffes and Graces

Social blunders are different than other kinds. That’s because they have endless repercussions, like waves crashing against the shore of friendship and acquaintanceship. Unlike leaving your keys in the salad or your passport in your socks, these boo-boos are enduring and they are true indications of what can only be called “comatose inconsideration.” Hosts and hostesses have rather long memories, and aren’t likely to forget a guest who forgot to mention they were vegetarian or allergic to specific foods when invited over to dinner. It’s impolite; plain and simply put. Don’t forget to show up for dinner. It once happened … Continue reading →

Party No-Nos For Nanette and People With Other Names

Social misdemeanors may not land anyone in jail, but they won’t grant them $200 either and should be avoided at all costs. It’s not likely that falling from social grace will get you invited to other parties either unless they are thrown by other social outcasts. Avoid the following mistakes and most should go well. 1. Do not ever ask your host or hostess who else is coming. It sounds as if one is questioning his or her taste in friends and if you were invited that really should tell you the whole story. 2. Never arrive too early and … Continue reading →

More Party Dips, Do’s and Don’ts

Try to forget the words of Miss Piggy whenever you find yourself at a friendly get together. She is quoted as having said: “Never eat more than you can lift.” These words defy fatal social repercussions. Instead of minding “Ps” and Qs” (whatever they are anyway), consider these politically correct, although neither right nor left thoughts, about dipping and such whenever they let you out in polite society. When dipping, always rescue a broken chip with a spoon. Do not use your fingers or toes just because they are convenient. Instead of hogging the bowl, spoon some dip onto your … Continue reading →

Guest Etiquette: Dos, Don’ts and Dips

Good manners are not something we are born with: they evolve with our social and cultural growth and help us emerge as thoughtful, caring humans. When they are genuine, manners reflect a good heart, and they are as important as anything any of us will learn in our adult lives. So where did all of this go wrong at the party last week? Read on for some thoughts. As a guest, there is one important skill we can utilize and can take home with us after the party is over. I am talking about the ability to listen, which takes … Continue reading →

How To Be a Great Guest: Party Etiquette

Everything in life has its proper place and time and that includes human diversions also known as parties. In many ways, the party is the universe’s way of giving all of us a time to let our hair down, so to speak. (If you wear a toupee, you will have to use your imagination to make this point clear.) Still there are some rules of the road to follow, even if you can’t find the path. Consider the following: 1. Answer all invitations promptly. Don’t wait to respond to the last minute and if you are going to commit this … Continue reading →

It’s Your Party: Why Won’t They Leave?

Surely one of the stickiest moments of even the finest of parties is when the host is ready for the guests to leave and they aren’t so sure. Things can get out of hand as once happened to President Andrew Jackson at his inauguration party back in 1829. Things got so wild he had to climb out his bedroom window and flee to a nearby hotel. His guests would not leave until the next day when coaxed out on the lawn for some punch and goodies served by a harried White House staff. Once I attended a party and the … Continue reading →