Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

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Halloween Costume Party Etiquette

29 Oct 2014 By: Diane Gottsman

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Image Courtesy of Celebrate Magazine

Costume parties are a great excuse to get together with family, friends, and coworkers. With Halloween right around the corner, I’m sure you have your costume purchased and have already RSVP’d in a timely manner. That’s a little nudge to get going!

Here is a list of the Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to this year’s Halloween costume party:

Don’t forget your manners. A mask does not make you invisible. Even if your face is hidden behind a mask, your actions are showing loud and clear. Be polite and engaging with everyone at the party, not only a select few. Make your host glad you were invited by introducing yourself to those you do not know.

Do contribute to the fun. If you accepted an invitation to a “costume” party, you are saying “yes” to participation. Halloween is one of the few occasions when it’s encouraged to dress a little silly. There are many inexpensive DIY costumes just waiting for your creative genius. Take a look at Verily Magazine for some no-sew inspiration.

Do be respectful of other people’s views. Shy away from any costume that could potentially insult a person’s religious or political beliefs, and leave the risqué clothing at home. Halloween should be a time to show off your innovative style and exhibit your unique personality without offending anyone else.

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Image Courtesy of Celebrate Magazine: Orange Punch with Lime Recipe

Do limit your alcohol intake. At either a work event or a social affair, it’s important to limit your alcohol consumption to avoid a potential mishap. If your coworkers are planning an office party, offer to bring the ingredients for hot cider or a non-alcoholic punch. Here’s a Spooktacular recipe, compliments of Celebrate Magazine.

Don’t forget an extra change of clothes. This tip is important if you are attending a costume party during work hours. It would be most unpleasant to have an impromptu meeting with a client, and all you have to wear to their office is a Transformer costume. Always pack an additional change of clothing for just such an emergency.

For more of Diane’s tips on hosting a perfect Halloween Party click here.

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.