New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate what the future holds. This season, there is much to look forward to in 2022! As you ring in the year with hope and anticipation, don’t leave your manners behind. Here are a few New Year’s Eve etiquette reminders to herald in 2022 in style and grace.
Ringing in 2022: New Year’s Eve Etiquette
Do: Eat before you arrive.
In case the menu is not a full meal or the buffet is carb-heavy and you are on a restrictive diet, you want to be prepared. It’s also a good idea to have food in your tummy before the drinks start flowing.
Don’t: Arrive tipsy.
While it might be tempting to have a drink before your arrival, consider the event and how you want to show up in front of other guests. Demonstrate respect for your host by arriving ready to mix and mingle without offending your fellow guests with the smell of alcohol on your breath. Some people like to have a glass of wine to calm their nerves before meeting new people, but wait until you arrive to get your shot of courage. (no pun intended!)
Do: Bring a hostess gift.
A gracious guest knows they should never arrive empty-handed. A moderately-priced bottle of wine is a nice gift but don’t expect your host to serve it on the eve of the party. A hostess gift is for the host to enjoy the next day. Other ideas include a nice set of cocktail napkins, a small box of chocolate, a card game, dinner party conversation starters, gourmet popcorn or a box of fruit.
Don’t: Surprise your host by bringing extra mouths to feed.
For example, even though you know your host loves your extended family, if their name is not on the invitation, they are not invited to the party. If you think they omitted someone by mistake, you can call your host in advance and ask if you can bring your significant other (of course, the answer will be yes), but not your three kids.
Do: RSVP in a timely manner.
If you are on the fence, let your host know whether you will be attending (or not) within 48 hours. Especially since New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, and your host is scurrying around taking care of last-minute details. Don’t be afraid to go to the party alone. You never know who you might meet.
Don’t: Forget to let your neighbors know you are planning a large gathering.
A heads up about a larger than usual amount of cars parked on the curb will be appreciated. If they are part of the guest list, they will probably be more understanding, but this is not a requirement to have a party. However, it is polite to drop off a small token of your appreciation for their patience and understanding on the next day.
Do: Dress for the occasion.
Your host has gone to great lengths to make the evening festive. Do your part by showing up dressed for the celebration with something that looks like you put in the effort. Bring out your heels, a great pair of boots, some blingier than usual jewelry (tonight is the night to shine!) and a nice outfit. Dress in layers in case it’s too hot or too cold at the event. Enjoy yourself and make your host glad they invited you.
Don’t: Dampen the mood.
Friends, family and neighbors are coming together for a merry evening that will leave them feeling brighter about the days ahead. Yes, to say we are living in uncertain times is an understatement. Even so, the countdown to midnight isn’t the right setting to debate hot topics. It’s normal to feel a little awkward while mixing and mingling—it never hurts to come up with a few friendly topics of conversation beforehand.
Do: Review the latest CDC guidelines regarding safety protocols.
Nothing stops the festivities faster than hearing you’ve been exposed to the newest variant. Or worse, learning you’ve put loved ones at risk. Ventilation is essential, and there’s still time to find a matching mask for your party attire as an extra layer of protection.
Be sure to check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like Tips for Throwing a Last-Minute Holiday Party.
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