Essential Items for Holiday Gatherings, Plus Etiquette Guidelines
Mariah Grumet, the founder of Old Soul Etiquette and a social media personality with nearly 200K followers on TikTok and Instagram, shares her insightful etiquette tips for the holiday season.
According to Grumet, a good guest is someone who is flexible and adapts to the customs and ways of doing things in someone else's home. When attending a holiday party, it's polite to never arrive empty-handed. A bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, or a small hostess gift shows appreciation. Personalized or signature treats are even better.
Dressing appropriately is also essential. Follow the host's stated dress code or dress up a bit to set a festive tone. Avoid overly casual or distracting attire. Arriving on time is also crucial - not too early or late; sometime soon after the start time is best.
Engaging in conversation and introductions is also important, especially if you don't know people. Introduce yourself or ask the host to introduce you to others to avoid awkwardness. Mind table manners and social etiquette, using proper manners at the table and avoiding topics that could make others uncomfortable. A verbal thank you and perhaps a follow-up message afterward is courteous upon leaving.
In the office setting, Grumet advises respecting the office culture. Avoid excessive drinking, refrain from discussing highly controversial or deeply personal topics, and keep behaviour professional, even if the event is casual. Participating in party games or activities can ease social tensions and create natural conversation. Socializing beyond your immediate team is also important to broaden connections and reduce cliques. Adhering to guest policies is crucial to respect the host organization.
When it comes to gifts, Grumet suggests a universal response for nosy questions about personal life: "I'm just really enjoying this season of my life right now. I'll let you know when I figure it out." If it's a close friend, Mariah suggests giving a reason privately and considering sending a small gift or flowers in your absence.
When it comes to office parties, Grumet advises not to buy gifts for every cousin, aunt, and in-law, and to set a budget early on. If the host does not want guests to bring anything, they should respect their wishes. To politely decline an invite, Mariah recommends RSVPing "no" as soon as possible, without overexplaining, and wishing the host a wonderful time.
To signal it's time for guests to leave, Grumet suggests having a clear transition period, recapping the evening, moving people to a different room, and putting the end time on the invitation. If someone makes hurtful comments about weight, appearance, or eating habits, Mariah recommends responding with kindness and positivity.
In summary, Grumet's advice is aimed at making the holiday season full of pleasant conversation, healthy boundaries, and plenty of cheer. To learn more accessible etiquette tips, follow Mariah Grumet on Instagram or TikTok.
| Aspect | Etiquette Tips | |----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | What to Bring | Hostess gift, signature treat or drink, never arrive empty-handed | | Dress Code | Follow host’s instructions, dress for the occasion but not too casual | | Behavior at Party | Arrive on time, participate in icebreakers, moderate drinking, socialize broadly, avoid controversial topics | | Navigating Office | Respect professional boundaries, follow guidelines, engage in team-building games, avoid extra guests |
In addition to her etiquette tips for holiday parties, Mariah Grumet also provides advice for lifestyle categories such as education and self-development. She discourages sharing personal details with nosy questioners, suggesting a polite response like, "I'm just really enjoying this season of my life right now. I'll let you know when I figure it out."
Moreover, in the realm of fashion and beauty, Grumet emphasizes the importance of adhering to dress codes and selecting attire that reflects the occasion, while avoiding overly casual or distracting pieces.
Furthermore, for food and drink enthusiasts, Grumet recommends showing appreciation at office parties by bringing a thoughtful hostess gift, but alsosetting a budget and adhering to the host's guidelines about gift-giving.
Lastly, when it comes to relationships, Grumet advises responding to hurtful comments about weight, appearance, or eating habits with kindness and positivity, thus upholding the spirit of the holiday season.
