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Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

Leading Etiquette Expert and Modern Manners Authority Diane Gottsman’s official blog, with Business Etiquette, University Etiquette, Social Media Etiquette, Dining Etiquette and more.

Holiday Party Etiquette: Checklists for Your 2022 Event and My Signature Cocktail

28 Nov 2022 By: Diane Gottsman

Whether you are hosting a few girlfriends or having a formal dinner party for 12, preparation is the key ingredient when it comes to a successful holiday celebration. In today’s post, I’m breaking down holiday party planning into manageable checklists for your 2022 gathering. You’ll also find a recipe for the signature cocktail I’ll be serving this year, complete with a festive sprig of Rosemary. These are simply suggestions, but I hope they bring a sense of calm into the chaos. Sharing the holiday spirit with those closest to your heart adds merry and magic to the occasion. Keep reading for my best holiday party etiquette reminders for 2022.

holiday party etiquette | Closeup of festive Christmas table setting for holiday entertaining

One Month Out

  • Get the word out – evite, phone call or formal invitation
  • Plan your menu
  • Make a shopping list
  • Check the dates on your spices, baking soda, flour etc.
  • Call a caterer or family friend if you will need/want help

Two Weeks Out

  • Inventory plates, silver, serving platters and serving pieces
  • Check cocktail glasses for chips
  • Do a trial run on the signature holiday cocktail
  • Order the sweets, casseroles, cheese, etc.
  • Take a run to the liquor store and stock up on liqueurs and liquor
  • Check your cocktail napkin supply, wine opener
  • Locate your ice bucket or buy a new one

One Week Out

  • Create a holiday playlist, and enlist your kids to assist
  • Clean out the refrigerator and make space for trays
  • Set the table
  • Order the centerpiece
  • Thoroughly clean your guest powder room so next week you can do a quick sweep
  • Stock up on supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, unscented votives for the table

Day of Party

  • Buy ice
  • Buy fresh flowers
  • Prep veggies
  • Finish prep of main food items
  • Get dressed, relax and sparkle at your holiday soiree!

My 2022 Holiday Cocktail:

holiday cocktail recipe | Goblet with cranberry Margarita with candied cranberries, rosemary and tangerine. Perfect cocktail for a Christmas party
3 cups cranberry juice
2 cups ginger ale
3 cups orange juice
1 cup maraschino cherries with juice
2 ½ cups vodka of your choice
Juice of 1 lemon
Sprig of Rosemary for each glass

Mix everything together except for the Rosemary, put in a pitcher and pour. Enjoy!

If you’re in need of holiday party planning inspiration, type “holiday party” in my blog search bar or browse my holiday etiquette archives. I’ll also include links below to a few festive posts.

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas. 

In search of more holiday party etiquette inspiration? You may also like Holiday Party Attire Primer. See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook. Find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account and keep up with her latest tweets. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost. 

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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.

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Etiquette Expert Diane Gottsman's Tweets
27 Jul 2023

Also, the nice thing about interviewing etiquette experts was they all returned my call. Thanks @Debretts @williamhanson Laura @PolishedManners and @DianeGottsman for bringing some clarity to protocol chaos

5 Jul 2023

Technology and the gig economy are playing a role in #tipping #etiquette. Sharing my thoughts on when to tip, skip, and how much with @cnbcmakeit: . #manners #gigeconomy #technology #modernmanners

19 Jun 2023

Become their favorite houseguest and spread kindness on your summer travels! Tips on the blog. ❤️🧳✈️🚗

https://dianegottsman.com/2023/06/19/houseguest-etiquette-reminders-for-the-summer/

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Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert, sought after industry leader, and owner of The Protocol School of Texas,
a company specializing in executive leadership and business etiquette training.

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