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10 Cocktail Party Etiquette Tips You Need To Know

With the holiday season fast approaching, your calendar is probably filling up with invitations to cocktail parties and holiday festivities. The holidays provide the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, spend time with family and mingle with business associates. With the party season about to kick into high gear, I thought this was the perfect time to share a few cocktail party etiquette tips.

1. RSVP. When invited to a cocktail party – whether for personal or for business – respond to the invite within 24 hours or as soon as possible. If you’re unsure whether you will be able to attend, acknowledge the invitation and inform the host that you’ll let them know as soon as you can.
2. Be on time. Plan your time wisely so that you arrive at the party on time—especially if it’s a dinner party. Arriving too early may disrupt the host who may be finishing up with last-minute preparations for the party.
3. Greet your host. As soon as you arrive, take a moment to greet your host. Take this opportunity to thank him or her for the invitation.
4. Name tags. If you’re given a name tag to wear at the party, place it on the right side. This will increase the likeliness that newcomers will remember your name. When we shake hands the right sides of our bodies are in alignment therefore when the name tag is on the right side it will have greater visibility.
5. Be approachable. When standing with a group of friends, keep the “circle of friends” open to invite others to talk with you.
6. Limit your alcohol. As tempting as it might be to “let loose,” be cautious when it comes to the number of cocktails you enjoy. Better to enjoy the company and limit yourself to one or two drinks throughout the evening. This is especially true if you’re attending a business party over the holidays, where you want to present yourself in a positive light.
7. Hold your drink in your left hand. This keeps your right hand dry (and warm) so that you can shake hands and greet people.
8. Listen and repeat. If you know you’re going to be introduced to new people at the party, make a conscious effort to note the person’s name when introduced. Then, repeat the name out loud. For example, “It’s wonderful to meet you, Simon.” Use the person’s name in conversation to reinforce your memory. (More tips on remember names here.)
9. Turn off your phones. Some people still don’t get it! It’s simply rude to be checking email or texting on your phone while in conversation with others. When at a party, keep your phone tucked away. Set to vibrate if you’re waiting for an important call, and excuse yourself if you must leave the room to take a call.
10. Show your gratitude (twice). Remember to seek out your host before you leave to say goodbye and thank him or her. Then, within 24 hours, send a handwritten thank you note to the host.

Wishing my American friends a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday!

– Margaret

Quote of the Month

“A holiday cocktail party is where some stranger will learn more about you in an hour than your spouse has learned in a lifetime.”

~ Unknown

Posted by Margaret Page in Newsletters.