Be an elegant guest at all your holiday parties this December!
When attending a holiday party, many questions might cross your mind. What should I wear? What time should I arrive? Should I bring a gift?
Etiquette Expert Julie Helms believes there is an art to becoming an elegant guest.
Gift or No Gift?
Julie emphasized that while hostess gifts are not mandatory, they are a nice touch. She advised thinking beyond the common bottle of wine, suggesting alternatives like a good book, flowers in a vase, local honey, or homemade baked goods. “Wine is a bit too easy. Sometimes it can feel impersonal,” she noted.
Timing Your Arrival
Julie highlighted the importance of not arriving too early to a party. She explained that hosts are usually busy with last-minute preparations in the final hour before guests arrive. “All the magic happens in that last hour before guests arrive,” she said. She recommended arriving within the first five to fifteen minutes of the invited time.
Shoes On or Off?
The debate over whether to keep shoes on or off at a party is a common one. Julie pointed out that this is highly cultural and can vary greatly. She suggested looking for clues, such as a pile of shoes by the door, and if in doubt, simply asking the host. “If you don’t know, just ask. ‘Do I take my shoes off or do we keep them on?'” she advised.
Dressing Appropriately
Julie stressed the importance of dressing a little better than you would at home when invited to someone’s house. She recommended wearing clothes that are well-maintained, clean, and ironed, suggesting attire that you might wear to a nice restaurant or for Sunday best.
Handling Surprise Gifts
Receiving a gift unexpectedly can be awkward. To avoid not having something in return, Julie said to “Keep a couple of quality, but generic items in the car already wrapped with the to-from sticker on it,” she recommended. This way, you can quickly write the person’s name and present the gift.
Respecting the Home
Julie advised against asking for a tour of the house, especially during the busy holiday season. She explained that hosts might have areas that are not ready for guests. Instead, she suggested making specific compliments about the parts of the house that are open to the party.
Being Yourself
Finally, Julie encouraged guests to be themselves and not overly formal, as this can make others feel uncomfortable. “Acting overly formal or putting on airs makes other people feel uncomfortable and it makes you look silly,” she explained. She recommended observing the host and following their lead if unsure about the protocol.
Julie, with a background in international business, hosts a show called “Host and Tell” on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. She shares tips on etiquette, communication, and building relationships. Find her on those social media platforms @julieannefrenchfry.
Add comment