As the holiday season approaches, so does the wave of festive gatherings and celebrations. While these events are an excellent opportunity to revel in joy and camaraderie, there are certain pitfalls that can turn a delightful gathering into an uncomfortable experience for both hosts and guests. In this blog, we explore the ten things you should unequivocally avoid doing at a holiday party. From social faux pas to decorum breaches, this list serves as a guide to ensure your holiday festivities remain merry and bright without any unintended blunders. So, whether you’re hosting or attending, read on to discover the key behaviors to steer clear of during the most wonderful time of the year.
The List of 10 Things You Should Never Do at a Holiday Party
1. Bring Extra Guests
Refrain from bringing an uninvited plus-one to a party without prior approval from the hostess. This applies to boyfriends, children, and pets alike. Instead, consider bringing a dish or a bottle of wine as a thoughtful gesture when attending the event. It ensures a smoother and more considerate experience for both the hostess and the other guests.
2. Match the Food Setting
Remember to align the food you serve with the dress code specified on your invitation if you’re the host this year. If your event is designated as black-tie, it might be wise to avoid serving spaghetti for dinner. Ensuring harmony between the culinary offerings and the attire expectations contributes to a more cohesive and elegant overall experience for your guests.
3. Create Awkward Social Situations
Avoid leaving your guests to awkwardly navigate social situations at a party you’re hosting, especially if it’s a diverse crowd unfamiliar with one another. Provide a conversational catalyst during introductions by sharing how you know each guest or highlighting common ground, whether it’s shared alma maters or a mutual passion for artists like Celine Dion. This approach ensures a more engaging and inclusive atmosphere for everyone.
4. Accommodate Too Many Guests
Refuse to be a doormat when it comes to hosting friends or family during the holidays—prioritize your own sanity. If accommodating your in-laws and their two Saint Bernards in your studio apartment is impractical, express that. The same holds true for guests who have prolonged their stay. As the saying goes, both fish and house guests tend to go bad after three days. Establish clear boundaries before their arrival by expressing your enthusiasm to host them within specific dates and suggesting they make arrangements at a hotel for the remainder of their stay.
5. Be Mindful of Dietary Restrictions
Remember to inquire about your guests’ food preferences and any dietary restrictions they may have—and make an effort to include at least one dish that accommodates their needs. If you’re uncertain about preparing a specific dish, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance. Many people are willing to contribute a dish if you ask. As a guest, whether you follow a Kosher, vegetarian, or South Beach diet, consider bringing a dish or two and communicate your dietary situation to the hostess when you RSVP, rather than on the morning of the party. This thoughtful approach ensures a more inclusive and enjoyable dining experience for everyone.
6. Come Empty Handed
Avoid excessive apologies if you find yourself without a gift when someone has generously presented one to you. Refrain from fabricating elaborate excuses like the gift being lost in the mail or undergoing overseas customization. Instead, graciously express your thanks and let the matter rest at that. Keeping it simple ensures a more genuine and appreciative interaction in such situations.
7. Get Too Drunk
Avoid becoming intoxicated if you’re hosting an event, as hosting carries a responsibility that demands clear-headedness. Be mindful of your own limits, exercising caution even when attending parties as a guest. If you sense yourself nearing a point where ideas like strip beer pong seem appealing, it’s time to slow down. When the frequency of people asking, “are you OK?” increases, consider swapping out the wine for a glass of water to maintain composure and ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
8. Overstay Your Welcome
If you’re the host, avoid letting the party linger on unnecessarily, and as a guest, refrain from overstaying your welcome, especially by four hours. Steer clear of approaching guests and taking their drinks, as advised by Post. If you’re hosting, subtly signal the end of the gathering by tidying up the bar and storing away food. Similarly, if you’re the guest, be attentive to these cues. If you find yourself engrossed in conversation over a freshly-poured martini while your host has already transitioned to pajamas, it’s an indication that it’s time to bid farewell.
9. Give Snarky Speeches
Avoid being a downbeat presence when delivering a toast. Opt for brevity and positivity in your remarks. Steer clear of anything that ridicules the host or diminishes the significance of the time of year or the occasion being celebrated. Keeping your toast short and sweet contributes to a more uplifting and enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees.
10. Let the Stress Get to You
Don’t shed tears over spilled wine. Cease worrying about napkin-tablecloth coordination, and refrain from sobbing uncontrollably if your toast takes an unexpected turn. Instead, relish the company and the festive atmosphere, and find solace in the fact that holiday stress is a temporary occurrence, coming only once a year!
Conclusion
As the curtains draw on our exploration of party etiquette during the holiday season, it becomes clear that the essence of these celebrations lies in fostering joy, connection, and shared goodwill. The ten highlighted things to avoid at a holiday party serve as a gentle reminder that simple consideration and awareness can significantly enhance the festive experience for everyone involved. Whether you’re a host ensuring a welcoming atmosphere or a guest contributing to the positive energy, embracing these guidelines can transform holiday gatherings into memorable occasions filled with warmth and genuine merriment. As we bid adieu to this guide, let’s embark on the holiday season with a renewed commitment to making every party a reflection of the season’s true spirit—filled with laughter, kindness, and cherished moments.
