Holiday Party Etiquette Refresher

Cynthia Cheng Mintz

Good behaviour is very important at parties, so here are some rules to always remember (regardless of what kind of holiday or party you are going to):

If you’re at a cocktail event, make sure you mingle. Standing around the buffet is not a good thing and neither is sitting in the corner, reading or texting.

Speaking of texting, your phone should be on silent mode. There’s nothing worse than hearing a tinny version of a pop song or even a buzz in the middle of a nice dinner. Phones are for emergencies only.

Don’t dominate a conversation – better to listen than talk. It’s also perfectly acceptable to end one by saying “excuse me, it’s been great meeting you/speaking with you.”

Stay away from controversial topics!

Ask for permission if you are going to take pictures, especially posed ones. Not everyone likes to be in them, especially if you are going to be putting them up on social networking sites.

If you are a guest, don’t criticize the host’s food or house. If you have any dietary restrictions, it’s good to inform the host beforehand. You don’t want any issues when you arrive.

If you are the host, make sure everyone is comfortable and that there’s something for everyone to eat.

If there are younger children a more grown-up party, make sure they’re occupied – DVDs, an art table, anything to keep them busy. Kids around the age of 10 or 12 should be mature enough to join the grown-ups.

Don’t get drunk.

Unless it’s a pot luck, there no reason to expect the hosts to serve what you brought over

If you are at a formal, sit-down meal, remember the following:

Cutlery goes from the outside in
The napkin goes on the lap, not the neck or anywhere else when you’re seated
Elbows stay OFF the table
Place the fork and knife next to each other (think 4:20 or 5:55) to signify that you have finished
Make conversation with people around you
If you don’t know how to use chopsticks, it’s perfectly fine to ask for a fork

Remember to send a thank you note (preferably handwritten) after the party, thanking the host for a lovely time!

About Cynthia Cheng Mintz

Cynthia Cheng Mintz is the founder and webitor-in-chief of this site and the petite-focused site, Shorty Stories. She has also written for other publications including the Toronto Star and has blogged for The Huffington Post. Her first novel, Aspirations, was published in 2007. Outside of writing, Cynthia researches and advises philanthropic ideas for family funds and foundations and also volunteers.