How to Be on Your Best Holiday Behavior

Attending holiday celebrations adds to the joy of the season. No matter the theme, from gingerbread house decorating to Christmas movie marathons, tree trimming, or mistletoe and margaritas, seeing friends and family in good cheer is one of my favorite things.

Elevate the mood and be a welcome sight to your gracious host by observing the etiquette reminders below.

1. Don’t be a “no show.”

RSVP etiquette: Accept or decline within 24 hours, and don’t show up to the party with a plus one. Being prompt in your response also helps to ensure the soiree doesn’t fall off your radar.

2. Bring your own dish or tray.

If you are contributing food to the party, arrive with a suitable dish that can be set out on the table. Expecting your host to transfer food to his/her dishware wastes valuable time and causes unnecessary stress. There are plenty of pretty options, including platters you’d never know were disposable.

3. Put away your cell phone.

There are few things more insulting than taking phone calls during a party or texting other friends mid conversation with other guests. Put your device completely out of sight and turn the ringer and notifications on silent, as opposed to vibrate, where the muffled noise is still distracting.

4. Avoid the sniffles.

According to a recent survey by Robitussin®, 54% of Americans don’t modify their behavior when they are sick. Germs are easily transmitted through the hands and hugs, kisses and handshakes, which should be avoided when feeling under the weather. Consider staying home and getting some rest, instead of exposing fellow guests to your germs.

5. Don’t sit down.

A guest’s job is to make the host happy you were invited. Positioning yourself in a corner with a few close friends does not encourage lively conversation. Walk around and introduce yourself, making a point to meet new people. Before you close the conversation, introduce your new acquaintance to someone they have not met.

6. Post with caution.

Before you start posting pictures of the party you are attending, get the OK from the host. Though your intentions are good, your timing may not be right. Refrain from tagging party-goers without their permission and focus instead of taking in the gift of the moment.

7. Avoid using the event as an opportunity to recruit new business.

Don’t pass out your business card at a social gathering. Your host will be offended, and you will make guests uncomfortable with your free pens and promotional material. Concentrate on making a good impression and follow up later if you feel there could be a professional connection.

8. Steer clear from politics.

Keep the conversation upbeat and avoid heated debates. Walk away and get another drink, or excuse yourself and join another conversation in the rare event the atmosphere starts to get tense.

9. Leave the leftovers behind.

You brought enough food for an army, but some people still may want to go back for seconds. Before you depart, offer to leave the remaining food behind and allow your host to guide you. If you opted for a disposable tray, don’t ask, and assume your food was a non-refundable donation.

10. Always say goodbye to the host.

Before you leave the party, make a point to find your host and thank them for including you. Leaving without saying goodbye sends the message you wanted to slip out without being noticed.

You may also like Cracking the Confusing Code of Holiday Dress Attire. Read Diane’s Inc. contributions, subscribe to her articles on the Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest and Instagram.