The holiday season ushers in opportunities to connect with others. Learning the art of being a good guest energizes parties and communicates love and respect. Being aware of your party-goer habits can seem superficial at first glance, but as you devote yourself to purposeful habits, you realize this art can strengthen your bonds with others. Whether you are a social butterfly or a homebody, invest time in these tips this winter to make the most of your wide range of holiday celebrations.
Pre-Party Mindfulness
- Being a good guest begins the moment you receive an invitation. A quick RSVP whether yes or no shows your host you care about them and their get-together.
- Send your regrets without excuses and express how honored you are to be invited. Explaining why you cannot be at a celebration is a common mistake.
- A quick call to ask if you can bring last-minute items is helpful especially when your close friend is hosting, or it is a more casual affair.
The Right Time to Celebrate
- In many situations, landing at your destination in advance is a great habit. However, early arrival can stress your party host as they are putting together the finishing details for the evening. Aim for ten to fifteen minutes from the invitation’s start time to refrain from being too prompt or too late.
To Gift or Not to Gift
- What better way to greet your host than with a small gift to show your appreciation. Wine, flowers, or charcuterie board (https://theartofgrazingfw.com/) are classic options.
- Loose flowers can cause your host to juggle finding a vase and welcoming guests so consider bringing a floral arrangement (https://camelliafarmflora.com/).
- Being thoughtful also means considering your host’s interests. Do they like cats or dogs? Tea or coffee? Red or white wine? Roses or wildflowers? Choosing items that speak to your host’s preferences meaningfully express your gratitude.
Let’s Talk About It
- Introverts and extraverts may approach gatherings differently, but anyone can ask themselves one question when interacting with a host and other guests: Am I trying to be interesting and impress others or am I interested in others? Making choices to genuinely listen and ask questions is a pre-curser to captivating conversations and creates a warm and lively atmosphere.
- Disciplined alcohol consumption is courteous to the host and fellow merrymakers. Keep in mind that some attendees may be sober. For example, when offering a drink to someone, don’t forget to lead with non-alcoholic options.
Exiting Gracefully
- Vocalizing a thank-you and a specific compliment is a graceful way to leave a party. Remember a specific detail of the party and tell the host what you enjoyed about this detail or how it personally impacted you. Whether you comment on a great story that was told, about a new friend met, or on the velvety texture of the Christmas bows, the host will be grateful to know you saw the planning and hard work of creating an enjoyable evening.
- After-party clean-up is a valuable and practical expression of kindness. Remember the nuance that surrounds cleaning tasks. If your host has hired staff, a thank you and polite interactions are best. Typically, the closer you are to the host and the more casual the occasion is, the more you can dive into the dishes at the end of the night.
- Lastly, do not over-stay. Respecting the event’s end time keeps the party bright and jolly in its entirety. If not previously stated, pay attention to the host’s cues so that you do not overstay.
Post-Party Essential
- Acknowledging your host’s efforts is imperative to mastering the art of being a good guest. A hand-written and mailed note is best because the endeavor, while much smaller than the effort of putting together an event, is the extra gesture that ensures the host feels special and appreciated.
Photoshoot Credits:
Flowers - Camellia Farm Flora
Charcuterie Board - The Art of Grazing
Make-up - House of Tesla
Photography - Macka Photography
House - Leonard Historical Home (Obadiah Paul Lenard was the owner of the home in the 30's and 40's)
Homeowners - Rich and Karly Johnston
Guests - Chad and Amy Horany, Kurt and Malorie Nielson, Jason and Summer Jones