Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

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St. Patrick’s Day Party Etiquette: Guest Considerations

11 Mar 2024 By: Diane Gottsman

St. Patrick's Day Party Etiquette | Green beer and clover leaves on black wooden table. St. Patrick's Day celebration

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and plans are underway for celebrations of all sizes. After all, any holiday is a great excuse for a party—especially St. Patrick’s Day! We’ve covered the history of St. Patrick’s Day, shared a handful of celebration ideas, passed along etiquette reminders, and more. Today, we’re spotlighting key considerations that guests should be keenly aware of before their next party. And, wrapping things up with etiquette tips to ensure they are on their best behavior throughout the festivities. Cheers to a marvelous and mannerly St. Patrick’s Day!

What is an “Irish Exit”?

“An ‘Irish exit’ is another name for slipping out the back (or front) door seemingly unnoticed by the host,” national etiquette expert Diane Gottsman tells TODAY.com . . . According to Gottsman, an Irish exit is acceptable “when you are at a large event and you can’t find the host, or you see the host is tied up with other duties or in deep conversation, and you have spent a good amount of time at the party mixing and mingling like a good guest is expected to do.”

Is an RSVP too formal for a simple cocktail party, and what is the normal response time?

Your host will always appreciate hearing from you, even if an RSVP wasn’t included in the invitation. A good rule of thumb is to respond within 24 hours. You can always let your host know if you need more time due to a possible scheduling conflict (as long as it’s not another cocktail party!).

Green Clover St Patricks Day Cookies Ready to Eat

Is “Fashionably Late” really a thing, and how late is too late?

Although some things are beyond our control, a good guest allows themself enough time to get ready and navigate traffic delays. Arriving later than 15 minutes can feel inconsiderate to your host.

“BYOB” – Bring Your Own Bottle – but who is the bottle really for? The host, other guests, or yourself?

Your host has likely made many preparations for the party—from planning the menu, preparing their home, providing entertainment, and more. Bring a bottle of something you enjoy and are happy to share. Consider any “leftovers” a gift for your host.

Pot of gold coins and clover on green table against dark background. St. Patrick's Day celebration

What does the word “TIPS” mean, and if there is a bartender at the party, is it necessary to leave a tip in the tip jar?

There are several debates over the definition and origin of this acronym, but “to insure prompt service” is a reminder to appropriately acknowledge and reward those who provide a service to you. The tip jar works the same way at a party as it does at a business.

What else can a guest do to ensure they are invited back?

Guest etiquette tips:

  • Don’t open the host’s refrigerator or bar cabinet – unless the host requests you get something for them
  • If you spill or break something – tell the host immediately (if you see someone else do it – discreetly alert the host so they can attend to the spill)
  • Use your napkin – avoids dirty fingers on furniture and personal property
  • Avoid monopolizing anyone’s time in conversation
  • Know your food and beverage limit
  • Dress to impress
  • If there is a dress request (i.e. wear something green), try and abide in a big or small way
  • Don’t be the last guest to leave
  • Avoid an Irish Exit, especially at a small party

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

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.