Did you know there are only 53 days left until Christmas? That’s only seven weekends! Not only that….there are 20 days left until Thanksgiving, which is basically the official beginning of the “Holiday Season.”
With the beginning of the holiday season comes church parties, work parties, family get-togethers, and more. I’m excited about that!
We all need to be conscientious of our holiday manners, especially as we take on the role of a guest. Here are the top 4 things that I want to remember as I’m a guest this holiday season.
1. RSVP
You can be a gracious guest even if you’re not attending! If you’ve been invited somewhere, let them know as soon as possible if you’re coming or not. Don’t force your hostess to ask you to confirm your attendance.
2. Bring a hostess gift
Some people wonder when it’s appropriate to bring a gift. Here’s my rule of thumb – if I’ve been invited to an event where someone is the hostess, I bring a gift. That includes things like meals, parties or overnight visits in someone’s home. Even if you’re contributing to the meal, it’s still nice to bring a little something for your hostess.
My Mom and I made a video last year with lots of great ideas for hostess gifts!
3. Arrive on time
This is a Golden Rule issue for me. When I’m hosting a meal, I work hard to make sure everything is ready at the same time so that the food is at its best! It’s frustrating when I have to keep things warm as I wait on people to arrive, so I always appreciate it when my guests are punctual. I want to extend that same courtesy to my hostess!
4. Send a thank you note
Thank you notes don’t have to be complicated. Start the note with a compliment to the hostess – for example, “It was so thoughtful of you to invite us for dinner.” Mention something you enjoyed about the meal or evening and wrap it up with a comment like, “We are so grateful for your friendship.” You can pick up packs of nice thank you cards at Dollar Tree or the Target dollar spot!
Happy Guesting!
Come Home For Comfort 
Great suggestions, Whitney. I often thing to myself that you are so wise for such a young woman. It must have been your wonderful upbringing. I know your mama is wise. You and she are are two peas in a pod. Have a blessed week-end.
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Thank you, Debbi! I am blessed to have wonderful examples in my life, including my Mom and my Nana!
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Such good advice!! I was just talking to a friend this morning that was feeling frustrated no one was RSVPing to her upcoming party. She is going to have to make some phone calls to confirm her guest list so that she doesn’t overbuy food. It’s frustrating for sure! It is so nice to send a thank you note after a really fun gathering. As a hostess, I know that is really appreciated. I also like it when people ask for a recipe that I’ve made for a gathering 🙂
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Oh I hate that for your friend. It’s always so awkward to have to ask someone if they are coming or not!
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I agree with all of these tips Whitney. Of course if I had worked at The Office, I would have been a member of the Finer Things club. 🙂
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Ha! I’m not sure I would have been…I’m more a Party Planning Committee person. 🙂
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These are all great tips! I might add one more – also be sure to leave promptly! In other words, don’t overstay. 😬
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That is a good addition! Don’t make your host say, “Well, let’s go to bed so these people can go home!” 🙂
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Exactly!!! I do know people who are now leery of inviting guests over because some folks stay and stay! Not talking about my family, though!! You can stay as long as you’d like!
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