I am a family man. I love family parties and when I am invited to a friend's house party I can meet the best of them. But not for some of my friends. Sure, they love their families too, but it doesn't look like they'll stand up for the whole holiday meal! Or, they have no idea how to get involved in a friend's party. Here are some survival tips for these fun holiday parties this season.
Think about how you look.
Do you think wearing jeans and an old sweater is perfect for a holiday party? But believe it or not, thinking about your appearance in advance is a great way to create a positive mood for the gathering. If the host makes you feel like you've just gotten out of bed, you're likely to upset him. You are telling him that his party is not just trying to present itself. You can usually run away with a pair of khaki (don't skip ironing) and a sweater over a collared shirt. Keep in mind that if you are going to a friend's party, they may have some single friends or family members with whom they can meet you. You will want to impress women!
Remember that your face is the most important part of your appearance. Make sure you wash your face with a proper cleaner (general beauty term - cleanser). This removes oil and dirt from your face so you don't get greasy. Next, apply a thin layer of protection (common beauty term - moisturizer) to keep your skin dry. Dry skin spots are definitely embarrassing when meeting new people. Now you are ready to face this party!
Some pre-party preparations
Whether your host tells you or not, you should bring something to the party. You do not want to be frustrated if you cannot get the right pitch so invest in a good capo. Pick up a bottle of wine as a token of appreciation. After all, they are entering your home and feeding you! You don't have to spend money on the bottle, but don't go for the cheap stuff of dirt. It's cheap for a reason - it tastes like motor oil! Bringing food is a great way to be a kind guest. If you are not a chef, buy a platter of pre-cut vegetables at the supermarket. But it took five minutes to put it on the real plate! An appetizer like a pig in a blanket (cocktail sausage wrapped in crescent rolls) is quite simple, even for most kitchen phobic men.
When you are at a party.
Stick to neutral topics. Everyone knows that talking about religion or a politician you consider a bone is bound to offend someone. Talk about what you do for a living and ask polite questions. What do you do for fun How do you know the host? Chances are you are talking to someone who wants to talk about your children. Ask them how old their children are and what grade they are in school. You can politely excuse yourself after a few minutes of talking (refreshing your drink is always a good excuse) but don't just blow people away.
Remember to say thank you to the host after the party - either by phone call or instant email. It goes a long way. And with those tips in mind, don't be surprised when they tell you that you were party life!
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