Savvy Girl, A Guide to Etiquette Read Free Page B

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    Now, back to that third step to getting invited back: going beyond the obvious “please” and “thank you” when someone’s hosting you at their home. Here’s how:

BE . . . HELPFUL
    PITCH IN. Ask the host if you can bring something or do anything to help prepare for the event. And don’t forget to offer to help the host when they’re prepping the food and washing the dishes.
    WORK THE ROOM. Strike up a conversation with the girl who is standing by herself and help introduce her to the others in the group.
    HELP WITH CLEANUP. After dinner, help clear the table. (Unless, of course, the host used a catering company and the pros are in charge of serving and clearing.)

GRACIOUS GUEST Q&A:
    BRITT: BREN, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF THE HOST INSISTS THAT YOU DON’T LIFT A FINGER? SHOULD YOU LISTEN—OR HELP ANYWAY?
    BREN: Some hosts prefer to do all the heavy lifting. As a guest, you need to respect your host’s wishes. If you offer to help with dinner, dishes, or post-party cleanup and your host insists you sit down and relax, listen to them and enjoy being a guest.

BE . . . SOCIAL
    STAY UPBEAT. Nobody likes a Debbie Downer, which means that even if the traffic was brutal, the parking was impossible, or you had a case of the Mondays, quit your whining.
    MINGLE. Don’t cling to the host the whole party. Introduce yourself to new people and make your way around the room.
    BE RIGHT-HAND READY. Carry your drink (and your clutch, if you decide to hold on to it) in your left hand so you can shake hands with people easily.
    BE SINCERE. Compliment the host on their home and the effort they put into organizing the event.

BE . . . CONSCIENTIOUS
    STASH YOUR PURSE. Discreetly ask the host where to put it for the evening instead of plopping it on the sofa.
    BE “GLUTTON”-FREE. Don’t eat too much. If the host has prepared a divine appetizer that you just can’t get enough of, try not to monopolize that tasty dish.
    TAKE A HINT. Follow your host’s cues for when to call it a night. Last-call hints include:
    • The invitation specified an end time
    • The host starts cleaning up
    • The host turns off the music or the lights
    • The guest of honor has left the party
    • The host says, “This was so much fun, I’m glad you could make it!”
    TIDY UP AFTER YOURSELF IN THE POWDER ROOM: That means drying off any water that splashed on the counter and making sure you don’t leave the hand towel in a ball on the floor.

BE . . . THANKFUL
    YOU KNOW THE DRILL. Express your gratitude for everything your host did to make it a fun evening. It’s always nice to mention something specific, such as how beautiful the flowers were or how much you enjoyed the delicious roasted chicken.
    FOLLOW UP. Write a handwritten thank-you note (and call, if you’re so inclined) within two weeks of the event. Be sure to include thoughtful details from the gathering. (See Chapter 7 for tips on how to write memorable thank-you notes.)
    RECIPROCATE. If possible, invite the host over to your house for dinner or even just appetizers and drinks before going out to dinner.

HOUSEGUESTS
    Whether you’re hosting or visiting, a few days with friends is the perfect way to get some quality bonding time with those who are nearest and dearest to us. To help you rock as a hostess or be the picture-perfect guest, keep these etiquette tips in mind.

HOW TO BE A HOSPITABLE HOST TO HOUSEGUESTS
    BEFORE THEY ARRIVE. Confirm how they will get to your house. Will you pick them up from the airport? Or will they drive to your place? If they’re driving, make sure they have the address and explain any tricky directions as well as parking instructions.
    Next, make sure your guest room is stocked with the essentials: a bed fitted with clean linens, pillows, and a duvet or warm blanket. Fill a carafe with water or leave bottled water on the nightstand. Additionally, check that all of the lights in the guest room work, empty the trash can in the bathroom, and make