Top Party Etiquette Tips

It's true: We always think about how to host a party everyone will enjoy, but seldom do we think about how to be a guest everyone will enjoy. We should, though. And all it really takes is a little common sense and common courtesy.

Office Party Etiquette

Dress the part
Curb your thirst
Remember Mr Manners
Time to leave
Enjoy!

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10 Tips for Tea Party Etiquette

1. Since it is a tea party, it's okay to eat with fingers. However, if an item is particularly messy (has a runny filling), then use a fork.

2. If all the courses are laid out on the table, eat them in this order: first the scones or muffins; then the tiny sandwiches, and last the sweets.

3. For scones or muffins, break off a bite-size piece, then put a small amount of jam or butter on it. If Devonshire or clotted cream is available, a small amount can be dabbed on after the jam. This thick cream is for scones, not for the tea.

4. Take bites of the tiny sandwiches. Never stuff the whole thing in their mouth, even though it's small.

5. If using sugar, be careful to not dip the sugar tong or sugar spoon into the tea.

6. Stir sugar and/or milk with their teaspoon, then place the teaspoon on their saucer.

7. When drinking the tea, they can hold the cup and saucer near their chest, then take the teacup off the saucer and bring it up to their mouth to drink.

8. If the tea is hot, do not blow on the tea. Leave your teacup on the table to cool.

9. Do NOT stick your pinky out when drinking tea. Just hold the teacup normally.

10. Hopefully, the tea will be served from teapots, rather than having individual tea bags, which can get very messy, especially with kids.

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dinner party etiquette

When selecting guests for your event, make sure they will all get along.
Invitations should be sent out four to six weeks in advance .
Each invitation should list any pertinent details and have a date to RSVP.
A good hostess will select the menu with her guests in mind.
When writing up your seating chart, remember that it’s important to make your guests as comfortable as possible.
It may be considered fashionable to arrive late in Hollywood, but at a dinner party this is considered bad etiquette.
Only bring a guest if the invitation requests you do so. If you did not RSVP for a guest, it’s very bad manners to show up with one in tow.
If you did bring an invited guest, be sure to be attentive.
It’s proper to bring a small hostess gift, one that the hostess is not obliged to use that very evening.
As host or hostess, you must make sure that someone will be at the door to greet the guests.
Once inside your home, guests should be offered a drink and some hors d’oeuvres to tide them over until it’s time to eat.
Guests should do their best to mingle and make light conversation.
When dinner is ready, follow the directions of your hostess who will have assigned seats.
Don’t be intimidated by the vast array of silverware surrounding your plates.
Don’t eat until everyone has been served, and even so, wait until your hostess begins.
After each course, your hostess, or someone hired for this purpose, will clear the table.
After the meal has ended, your hostess will ask everyone to adjourn to another room for games or conversation.
When it’s time to leave, your hostess will walk guests to the door and say a brief goodbye.
Three days to one week after the event, call or send your hostess a note thanking her for the lovely evening.
Knowing what to expect, and how to act in advance can make everyone around you a little more comfortable.