Party Guest Etiquette
How to Be a Helpful Guest
It's likely that you received your fair share of invitations to Open Houses, parties, and social events in the past two months. While you were the guest at these events, don't fail to realize that you also had an impact on the party, and more importantly, you had the opportunity to significantly lighten the hostess's responsibilities during her party. Read this article with an open mind, evaluate your own behavior in all your social engagements over the past year and make a conscious effort to be an asset to your hostess in the future.
Before the Event
When the invitation to an event first appears in your mailbox, in your Inbox or on your Voice Mail, what was your response? Most recipients will check their calendar, think about the event, make a mental about their probability of attendance, and then do nothing!
Unbelievably, nearly 50% of invitation recipients do not RSVP to their host! The correct response should be to immediately acknowledge receipt of the invitation, your appreciation of the offer, and intended action. Even though you may not be able to give a firm acceptance of the invitation upon receipt, let the host know that you are excited about the invitation, that you would like to attend and are trying to clear your schedule, and that you will confirm positively by a certain date. Then, make sure that you do confirm your acceptance or send your regrets by the date you promised.
If you will be attending, ask your hostess if any help is needed for the event. Offer to bring food, flowers, or serving pieces if they are needed.
During the Event
Plan to arrive slightly after the official start of the party. Unless the start time is absolute, (such as for a dinner reservation, a surprise party or an opening curtain), giving your host an extra ten minutes before your arrival creates a welcome comfort cushion to finish those last touches.
Although you are a guest at the party, keep your eyes open for any opportunities to be helpful or for any needs that may occur. For instance, if you notice that the ice bucket is empty, that the trash cans needs to be emptied, or that a spill has occurred. Let the host know and offer your assistance in remedying the situation.
Following the Event
Within forty-eight hours of the party, remember to send a hand-written note (or minimally, a nicely composed email) to your host. Although this step does not officially qualify under the umbrella term of helping the host, reinforcing your gratitude for the host's hospitality will undoubtably imprint a positive image about the event.
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