Thursday, December 14, 2006
How to Be a Good Guest - Vol. 1
Difficulty: Easy
Staying with friends or family and don’t know what to bring as a thank you gift? Invited to tons of parties and think bringing a bottle of wine is your passport to enter? Being a good guest is more than knowing what kind of gift to bring, it’s about making the experience better because you’re there. Here are some tips for making that happen.
Instructions
STEP 1:
Sleeping over? Leave the Britney CD at home
Don’t yell “is anyone up” when you go for coffee at 6:00 AM.
Blend in to your host’s routine and don’t be afraid to venture off on your own to give them a break from “hosting”.
Show your appreciation with a note and a gift.
STEP 2: Be Happy. Leave the details of your money problems and relationship details at the door, everyone has problems but parties are a place to forget them for a while.
STEP 3: Learn how to mingle. Minglephobic? Grab a plate of hors d’eouvres and start passing them around. It’ll help the host and give you an excuse to chat other guests up. Or, usher another guest around the party to introduce them to the crowd.
STEP 4: Flirt. People love the excitement flirting gives off. It makes you feel like your life could change in one evening. That’s what’s great about a party; you never know what could happen.
STEP 5: Participate in the activities at the party. They are meant as excuses to interact with other guests, perfect for meeting Mr. Where have you been all my life.
STEP 6: Bring a guest. Parties are places for people to meet other people. If you aren’t comfortable going alone, and the invitation gives you the okay, bring a friend. But be careful not to cling to them the entire night.
STEP 7: Play a game. If you really want to have some fun at a party play a mingle game.
Make a plan to meet at least two or three new people by the end of the night.
Try and guess what everyone at the party does for a living. Ask questions like "Do you travel?" "Is it creative?"
Overall Tips & Warnings
If you’re chicken to go to a party, have a designated driver and loosen up with a cocktail before you go to the party.
Have a few jokes and topics of conversation in your back pocket. Read the newspaper that morning for material like the late night talk show hosts do.
Things You'll Need
Open mind
Confidence
A smile
Topics Addressed
Party etiquette
Attending a party
Being a guest
Entertaining etiquette
More
Chat with the Other Guests
Do your part to be friendly and make conversation with other guests. You're part of the chemistry that will make the party a success.
Being a good guest isn't a passive affair. It means actively participating in making the party or gathering a success. There are certain people I like to invite to anything I give because I know they'll show up and leave on time, they'll be able to talk to anyone, and they'll help me with little things that keep the party flowing and going. They just make a positive contribution!
i invited a guest knowing that that person will be able to hold himself/herself well at social gatherings. for a chance to get to know more people and network plus getting to know my friends and colleagues, and in turn, getting to know me more with different social circles. if that's not a good enough reason... i don't know what is. it doesn't last all day, just for that few hours. everyone's got a story to share and i believe the people we meet is for a reason.
norsh_9:26 AM