The holiday season is always filled with so many events with friends, co workers and family. Whether you’re attending a festive family meal, an office cocktail party or spending a weekend in a friend’s home, being the perfect guest is one way to make the entire holiday season smoother and stress free. Holiday events often pose a few more challenges than other events throughout the year but with a little preparation, some thoughtful etiquette, and genuine appreciation you can be the perfect guest. Further, it goes a long way in creating a warm, stress-free atmosphere for everyone involved. Simply follow some of our holiday manners below and you will be just fine.
Always arrive with a thoughtful gift
The old adage is right, Mom is always right. And we know she always told you to never show up to someone’s home without a gift. Our first tip: ask the host if you can bring anything to contribute. But if all they request is lemons for cocktails or a loaf of bread, we would still suggest bringing a gift. The gift should be something the hosts can enjoy on their own as a thank you; something that will remind them of you post event. Your best gifts aren’t expensive; just thoughtful. So think of giting something that reflects the hosts interests. If these events/parties are annual, it can be nice to start a tradition with your host. For example, bring a fun ornament that reflects the hosts interest for their tree. Or always bring a fun game for them to play. When in doubt, bring flowers (with a vase) or chocolates. There is something nostalgic about a classic box of Purdys Chocolate Assorted Favourites. It reminds us all of being little kids trying to pick out our favourite chocolates from that big box of deliciousness (without picking the one’s we don’t like lol). Nostalgia always wins during the holiday season.
And yes, you still need to bring a bottle of wine
Many people make the common mistake of bringing a bottle of wine as a gift. Although this may seem like a thoughtful idea (and it is), the problem is that the bottle is often opened to serve the guests during the dinner party. A gift should be something the host can enjoy later as a thank you, not the wine that we all know will be consumed by all the guests at dinner. Now if you aren’t sure what wine to bring to go with dinner. Bring two bottle, a white and a red. For a white, pick up Arniston Bay Sauvignon Blanc; it’s crisp and balanced, with notes of zesty passion fruit, lime, and white peach with a clean mineral finish – ideal for pairing with turkey, seafood, or lighter appetizers. For a great red, pick up Ogier Côtes du Ventoux; with its Grenache-Syrah blend, this wine pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses – making it a natural choice for holiday entertaining or gifting. Both are under sixteen dollars.
Respect the dress code
Many events during the holiday season include notes on dress code in the actual invite. If the invitation mentions festive, cocktail, or casual attire, follow it as best you can. This doesn’t mean you need to go out and shop for a new outfit but showing up appropriately dressed shows respect for your host (and everyone else who showed up appropriately dressed). If the invite does not state a dress code, ask. And when in doubt, always overdress for the event. It is always better to be a bit overdressed than underdressed.
Be punctual, not early
One of the most important rules for holiday get togethers (especially dinner parties) is to arrive on time not early. Showing up early is great for a interview or work meeting but showing up early to a party can put unnecessary pressure on hosts who may still be cooking, decorating, or getting dressed. Still not sure? We have some timeline tips for you:
- Dinner party: aim to be on time to 15 minutes after the start time.
- Holiday open house: feel free to arrive anytime within the invited window (but avoiding showing up with only 20 minutes left in that window).
- Overnight stay: ask your host what time they would like you. And be sure to communicate your arrival time clearly with your host and check in via text if anything changes en route.
<4>Put down your phone
To be honest, modern phone etiquette is something that needs be addressed in many instances but especially at holiday events. Simply, put your phone away and live in the moment. Avoid scrolling through your social media between chats at a cocktail party, go talk to someone new. Keep your phone off the dinner table; engage in thoughtful conversations rather than texting people not at the event Always ask for permission before filming or taking photos. And always ask people for approval of said photo or video, if it includes them, before you post it on social. It’s just the polite thing to do.
Compliment the food, the decor and the effort
This is especially important when you are invited into someone’s home for the holiday season. The hosts has put in a lot of time and effort into planning and executing the event. And has probably spent hours cleaning and decorating their home. So compliment them on the effort. Graciousness is the hallmark of a perfect guest. Notice the little things like seasonal decor or a properly set dinner table. Even the food, no matter how simple it is. A sincere and thoughtful compliment goes a long way in making your host feel appreciated. And ensures you get invited back next time.
Always say thank you, twice
Everyone appreciates gratitude (not attitude). A perfect guest says thank you in person during the event. Further, they say thank you before leaving the event. This means no Irish exit at an event; you need to say thank you to the host even if you skip a proper goodbye to the other guests. Further, you should send a follow up thank you note (via text, email, or handwritten note) within 24-48 hours of the event. It may seem like a small gesture but it makes a big impact.
