Please RSVP. . . .

Tips for Being on Top of it During the Holiday Festivities

The holidays are a time when parties abound at offices and homes. Whether it’s the annual office party or a gathering of friends, here are some tips to ease the anxiety for both you and the host during this festive time. These tips apply now and throughout the year.

• If the invitation says RSVP - DO!!! There seems to be this attitude that however the person invited feels the day of the party determines whether they will attend or not. For this you are creating havoc for the host. The host has to plan for the food and table settings. By not responding regarding your attendance is rude and rather self-centered. You are showing a lack of appreciation for the efforts of the host. Whether it is at a restaurant, home or office always let them know whether you are coming or not. Make sure that you respond within the time period given so an accurate count of guests attending can be made by the host and enough food will be available to serve.

• If you say you are coming, COME. Unless it is a death in the family or a serious illness, just because you are tired is not an excuse for staying home. If you have a serious situation, contact your host yourself and personally let them know that you will not be able to attend. Perhaps you can send flowers or a small gift in your absence.

• If you are the most popular person around and you get an invitation to attend another friend’s party the same night you have accepted an invitation to another person’s party, first come – first serve. The party that you RSVP’d first is the one you go to. If the invitations are for open houses being held, that usually last about 3 to 4 hours, you can accept both invitations since you can swing by both and say hello.

• Don’t be the last to leave the party. Be sensitive to hints from your host if it’s getting late.

• Being fashionably late is not fashionable. Be on time, particularly when it is at someone’s home who is having a sit down dinner.

• When you go to an open house at someone’s home, a dinner party - either at their home or at their favorite restaurant, bring a gift for the host. If it is an office party, bring an office related gift such as nice pen. If you know them well, bring something that they will appreciate. If you know they are diabetic – avoid the chocolates. In Romania, it is common practice to bring flowers to anyone’s home or festive occasion. This gift is a token of appreciation for being invited.

• Don’t get drunk – need I say more? If it’s the annual office Christmas party such behavior may get you fired. If you do and someone recommends calling a taxi, take it and don’t make a scene.

• If you are at someone’s home and you smoke, ask first before lighting up and don’t do it in the bathroom! Gosh let’s graduate from high school ok?! Cigars, no, unless you are invited to partake and you do smoke cigars. Otherwise if you don’t it will definitely make you cough – not a pleasant scene.

• The day after the party, call or write a note to your host and thank them for a great time. It doesn’t have to be lengthy but a simple call will be appreciated.

• Always thank the host(s) before leaving the party.

• Regarding what to wear, if the invitation says “dressy casual” or “sport coat” forget the blue jeans. Wear clean and pressed sportswear separates. If the invitation says “casual” wear your best pressed blue jeans or nice pants. Dressing well shows appreciation for the host and the occasion. If the invitation says “semi-formal,” pull out the business suit or the black cocktail dress. Again, put your best foot forward and communicate a positive message about you to your host.

• If you are bringing your significant other to an office party, avoid “shop” talk. Rather converse about subjects that all involved can participate in.

• If the invitation says cocktail buffet, that usually means that their will be enough food for a light meal. The focus should be on the people and not getting a free meal. If you have a large appetite, eat prior to the event. This is also a good idea for those that are watching their weight. Doing this will hold off an attack of or a camp-out at the buffet table.

• If the occasion is a sit down dinner, please don’t mention that you don’t like eggs, or don’t eat meat or that you are allergic to such and such foods. Also don’t let the host know your preferences prior to the party. That is self-centered. Just move the food around (Hey we all had practice as kids doing that!). Enjoy the conversation instead of focusing on what you can’t eat.

• In conversing with others, avoid sensitive subjects such as religion and politics. Avoid gossip as well. At a sit down dinner mention something nice about the evening to the person sitting next to you.

If you put these tips into play you will become more comfortable at parties that are held throughout the year. Not only will you be the guest that people will want to invite back but you will become a better host for the parties you have down the road.