MAKE IT CUTE

Got invited to your BF’s fam bash? Ya don’t have to gift everyone on the invite list. Instead, bring one thing to brighten up the house (like a small pointsettia or a violet plant). Or something awesomely edible, like a few of Nana’s famous brownies or some homemade chocolate-covered pretzels.

Soiree Saver: Don’t have anything to gift now? Take some snaps at the party and then print out the pics and send ‘em in a card later!

Chatting it up with lotsa peeps may not be your fave, but it’s part of being an oh-so-charming chica. Intro yourself to folks you don’t know and ask them about themselves—any hobbies they have, how their kids’ sports are going or if they went on a cool vacay last year.

Soiree Saver: Sometimes, conversations just stop—or go on and on and on…. Either way, politely excusing yourself is a totally acceptable way to get outta there fast. “Excuse me—do you know where ladies room is?” works. So does, “OMG! I love this hot cocoa—I’m gonna go get a refill.” Then smile, say it was nice to chat and walk away.

Have some down time? Offer to help the hostess wash dishes or clear off empty glasses. You don’t have to work the whole party, but offering to do a li’l here or there is sweet.

Soiree Saver: If the hostess insists that you sit down and enjoy yourself, thank her again and throw a compliment about the night, the house or the cooking. Need ideas? “The tree is so pretty this year!”, “I’m so happy you made the peanut butter kisses—they’re my fave!”, “The house looks really gorgeous with all that garland—it must’ve taken you forever.”

Sometimes, you gotta with the flow. So if everyone strikes up in a rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” it’s your job to sing along sweetly (or quietly) even if you hate carols. Same goes for games. No pouting or opting out, even they decided to play Scattergories instead of your fave Apples to Apples. Oh, if there are little kids hangin’ out looking bored? Sit down, bust out your best babysitter skills and entertain ‘em for a few. No one says ya have to watch ’em all night!

Soiree Saver: If everyone seems to be doing their own thing (ie, there’s a gang watching It’s a Wonderful Life in the den and a snowball fight outside and the aunts are chatting by the tree), then you don’t have to join in on Scrabble. Politely say, “No thanks, I really wanted to check out that movie—can you believe I’ve never seen it?”

After the party’s over, say a round of goodbyes and thank-you’s to the host and hostess. Got a gift from someone? Head home and write a thank you note immediately. Pop it in the mail and get ready to get an invite next year!

Soiree Saver: Don’t have lotsa loot to spend on cards? Go DIY with some poster board and leftover wrapping paper. Merry, merry!

12/25/2009 7:00:00 AM