Party Etiquette for a Merry Celebration
The holidays are nearly here. With a return to more time in person with each other this year, you might be choosing to attend get-togethers in professional and/or personal social settings. Whether you’ll be hosting events/parties or just attending them, here’s a party etiquette guide to fun, productive and safe celebrations.
Event/Party Planner?
• Event space – Select a space that meets your own and your guests’ needs. Consider the cost, venue décor, desired ambiance, accessibility requirements and guest count. Should a co-host or party planner be enlisted to support you and your guests, convenient parking and accommodations?
• Invitations – Sending invitations will vary. For formal gatherings, send mailed invitations three to six weeks in advance. Invitations for informal events can go out at two weeks or less, and e-invitations are acceptable. Be clear and concise about party details. Let your guests know the purpose of the event (e.g., a holiday celebration), location/date/time details, the style of the party (formal or casual), dress recommendations (e.g., black tie optional), who the invitation includes (spouse/significant other, children, etc.) and any other special instructions.
• RSVP – Understand what RSVP means on an invitation. If the RSVP says “regrets only,” don’t expect a response from those able to attend. Make it easy for your guests to respond with a simple “accept” or “decline,” whether the invitation includes a mailed or electronic RSVP response. Include a specific deadline date for when you’d like to receive their response.
Event/Party Attendee?
• Kindly respond – Don’t miss responding on time to a requested RSVP. Your host/hostess is planning food, venue space and seating.
• Respect personal decisions – For in-person events, respect and honor the decisions of those who may choose not to attend or who wear a mask. Looking to other ways to share the joy of the season might be their right choice.
• Dress for success – Yes, dress for success even at an office holiday party that is held out of the office and after hours. You can easily dress up the mood of your look with a quick change of accessories: earrings, necklace, dressy clutch bag or glitzy shoes for women and a festive tie, shirt or dinner jacket for men. Complete your look with well-groomed/styled hair and finished make-up.
• Don’t fail timing – Arrive on time and, unless you’re helping to clean up afterward, leave on time by saying “thank you” to the host/hostess.
• Introductions – Limit awkward moments by remembering to introduce your significant other to the host/hostess and other guests when attending social events.
• Gifts – Gift giving is not outdated and is an easy way to say “You/your business is important to me.” These gifts may run from standard holiday gifts that you’d send to customers to more individualized gifts. Know your office policies and use them as a guideline.
• Business is business – The number one mistake is forgetting that you’re there for business! While it’s okay to relax, have fun and let aspects of your personal self show, it’s easy to get too relaxed. Knowing the company culture and your own personal values and career goals will help you find the fine line between appropriate and inappropriate.
• Abide by house rules – Whether physically in a boss/co-worker’s home, at an event space or at a place of business, follow and respect the “house rules.”
• Cordial dining – The dining experience should allow you to connect and spend time with your colleagues and business associates. To do this you need to be able to focus on the people seated with you.
• To drink or not to drink (alcohol, that is) – If you’ve been in the work world for any length of time you’ve probably encountered the individual who chooses to drink . . . and then drink some more. Not recommended — even if your employer or boss is leading the way. Know your limits. No one is immune to the hazards of socializing while under the influence of too much alcohol.
• Note of thanks – Send a hand-written thank-you note to the host/hostess within the first 48 hours. But know that a tardy thank-you note is better than no note at all.
Finally, whichever of the many holidays you celebrate, understand and respect others’ preferences. It’s hard to go wrong with the comparatively universal “Happy Holidays!” when greeting others.
May your holidays be merry and bright!
