Holiday Party Etiquette – The Little Things That Matter

It’s the time of year for holiday parties! Work parties, neighborhood parties, family parties, school parties…

We all love a good party with fun friends, good (FREE) food, and a nice glass of holiday cheer, but what can be awkward are the small things around holiday party etiquette.

Below are answers to the frequent questions I get about how to conduct yourself with ease and good manners at a party.

Q. – Where do I place my name tag?

A. – On the right side of your chest. Reason is so that when you shake hands with someone they can look up your arm and easily read your name tag.

Q. – How do I hold my glass and plate when I’m talking?

A. – It’s best to only have to carry either your glass or plate, not both! If you just have your glass, hold it in your left hand so that your right hand is free so you can easily shake someone’s hand. If you have a plate as well, try to place one down on a table and quickly eat what you can while standing there. Remember, cocktail parties are not about the food – it’s about meeting and talking with people. So, don’t perch yourself next to the shrimp bowl and get out there and talk to people!

Q. – How do I introduce people? Is there a proper way?

A. – Yes, there is a proper way and here is how it goes… you say the name of the “most honored” person FIRST and then introduce the others TO that person. Who is the most honored, you ask? Well it goes in order like this: Royalty, government official, famous person, client, boss, gender (women first), and age. For example, Susan (my client), I’d like to introduce to you my work colleague, David Smith. David, this is Susan Adams, VP at Bank of America.

Q. – What do I bring as a hostess gift?

A. – It’s best not to bring something that the person will have to fuss with like flowers or food. Best idea is a bottle of nice wine (if they drink) or a household item. Write a nice note and attach to the gift so that if they receive many gifts, they will know it’s from you. It’s also nice to call, email or send a thank-you note after the party to say, “thank you.”

Q. – When I attend a sit down dinner but there is more than one table, do I need to wait until everyone at all of the tables has their food before I begin to eat?

A. – No. You just wait until everyone at your table has their food before you begin to eat. If there is a host at your table, you should wait for that person to begin eating before you dig in.

Q. – What direction do I pass food and when do I put my napkin in my lap?

A. – You pass food to the right, salt and pepper together, and you place your napkin on your lap when everyone has been seated.

Q. – Is there anything I should not do?

A. – Do NOT be on your cell phone talking or texting with the people who are not there. Connect with the people who are at the party with you! Live in the moment.

For more tips on holiday etiquette here is a segment I did on Charlotte Today. If you have any other questions for me please email me at aimee@finesseworldwide.com.

Enjoy your parties and holiday season!

Aimee

New classes for 2015! Impressions: The Modern Cotillion for A New Generation March 1 and 8 in Huntersville. For information on this class and others go to www.FinesseWorldwide.com.