‘Tis the season ladies…party season. Brush up on your hobnobbing know-how to make sure you put the best foot forward. Below are some yuletide tips that are sure to make you the party princess.
DO wear an appropriate outfit. Holiday parties are not the time to try out new trends, rock your super cute leather jacket or pair your mini jean skirt with the kickin’ boots you got last weekend. Keep it simple and conservative. Knee length skirts with tights and ballet slippers or simple dresses with a pretty necklace are perfect. Rule of thumb: Don’t wear anything that you would wear to a regular day of school.
DON’T overbook. Parties are fun, and who doesn’t love cookies, but things get tricky when they start to overlap. Don’t spread yourself too thin when it comes to accepting invites. Should you find yourself facing three parties in one day, either spend a few hours at each or choose one to go to in its entirety. DO NOT promise to go and then not show up. Make commitments after looking over your entire schedule.
DO put a smile on. Aunt Susan and Cousin Henry may be the most annoying people on earth, but for one night, put aside your huge desire to slam your door and say “UGHHH.” You can spend every other weekend avoiding the wet kisses and the repetitive “How’s school?” and “ Do you have a boyfriend?” questions, but at this time of year, try to enjoy it. These are the people who know you as well as you know yourself.
DON’T be judgmental. Some people eat some straaaange stuff around this time. There are the typical treats and other families go the non-conventional route. If you ever find yourself in a situation where the food on your plate is staring back at you or the green goo smells like rotten cheese and old socks, stop your gag reflex and suck it up. You don’t have to eat everything, but a little taste is tasteful. If it’s just not tickling your tongue, refrain from making a comment and push it to the side.
DO offer to help out in the kitchen. Not every girl is queen of the kitchen, in fact most of us can barely make a good grilled cheese, but don’t let the fact that you aren’t a culinary whiz kid get in the way of getting your Emeril on. Cut veggies, stir the gravy, put together the dessert plate, these are little things, but they will make you look like a perfectly polite party animal.
DON’T forget to say thank you. They’re two small words, but hold one GIGANTIC meaning. Shake hands with your host, make eye contact and say the magic words. It’s your last chance to make an impression, so turn on the charm and work it.
Good Luck Girls. Decorum (that’s fancy talk for manners) is all part of being a delightful gal.
