Party Etiquette

Just recently I went to a party and while I was there, I noticed that people don’t always know what to do with themselves during social gatherings. Seemingly, the simplest of occasions can be difficult to navigate.

Even when you think you’ve successfully arrived at the party and made small talk with the host (“Your home is lovely - those are exceptionally plaid curtains!”) you have to actually interact with the other partygoers.

When my conversation with a group of unfamiliars reached a predictable lag, I found myself desperate to come up with a topical anecdote to regale them with. Each second of silence was caked in my social failure. Looking down at the little pile of potato chips on my paper plate, I chose to go with the first thing that came to my head.

“These… are chips.”

I decided then, before the party had even finished, to share any ideas for improvement with you guys so that you never say or do something equally stupid.

Chances are, you’ve screwed it all up way before actually talking to anyone, so let’s start from arrival.

1. Arrive when requested. Make sure that you grace other people with your presence at the right time.

2. Know your audience. Make sure you act and dress appropriately for the event you are attending.

3. Bring something for your host. Make sure it is an appropriate offering.

4. Engage in conversation with other guests. Make sure you stick to topics of common interest. Do not be too personal with people you don't know.

(okay, we're heading into weird territory. Let's get it back on track and fix this.)



(...or not.)



5. Finally, leave the party gracefully. If you are keen to get away, make sure you have a good parting line up your sleeve.

***

Use these tips, and you will likely avoid being a tool at the next shindig you attend. Now go and party with confidence... or something.