Skip to content

Preparing Essentials for Holiday Gatherings and Etiquette Advice

Each festive season, etiquette advisor Mariah Grumet receives numerous inquiries: "What present should I give for my employer's Christmas gathering?" "How ought I to react when relatives enquire about my romantic status?" "Is it compulsory to bestow a gift upon every family member in my...

Essential Items for Holiday Gatherings, Along with Important Etiquette Guidelines
Essential Items for Holiday Gatherings, Along with Important Etiquette Guidelines

Preparing Essentials for Holiday Gatherings and Etiquette Advice

Mariah Grumet, the founder of Old Soul Etiquette, has gained nearly 200K followers on TikTok and Instagram for her etiquette tips. Here are some of her recommendations for being a good guest at holiday parties.

Being a Good Guest

A good guest is flexible and adapts to the customs and ways of doing things in someone else's home. Grumet advises being mindful of the host's preferences and following their lead. If a host has not specified that guests should bring something, it is best to not bring anything. However, she recommends bringing a small gift for the host such as cocktail napkins, breakfast food, or flowers (in a vase of water).

Table Etiquette

When it comes to table etiquette, Grumet suggests following some basic rules. Cell phones at the table block conversation and show disinterest, so they should be put on silent or vibrate. The rule for table etiquette is to not put the napkin on your lap until your host does. When eating family style, always offer to serve the person to your left first, then serve yourself and pass to the right.

Holiday Party Gifts

While the search results do not directly provide specific recommendations from etiquette expert Mariah Grumet on what gifts guests should bring to a holiday party, there are some widely accepted gift etiquette principles. Commonly recommended gifts for guests to bring to a holiday party include:

  • A bottle of wine or champagne
  • A bouquet of flowers
  • A box of chocolates or sweets
  • A small decorative item or home accessory
  • A thoughtful, host-appropriate gift such as gourmet food or specialty coffee/tea

Since the search results do not quote Mariah Grumet specifically on this topic, these suggestions align with widely accepted gift etiquette principles. If you want precise guidance attributed to Mariah Grumet, a direct source or interview would be needed.

Leaving a Party

To signal to people that it's time to go home, have a clear transition period, recap the evening, move people to the next room, dim the lights, lower the music, and change the environment a little bit. Grumet advises being considerate of your host and not overstaying your welcome. If you need to leave early, it's important to RSVP "no" as soon as possible, and don't overexplain why. If it's a close friend, you can give a reason privately. Wish them a wonderful time, and consider sending a small gift or flowers in your absence.

Office Parties

When attending an office party, remember that you're representing a team and have a professional reputation to uphold. Grumet suggests setting your own budget for holiday gifts and it's okay to give homemade gifts if that's all you can afford. She also advises against discussing money, health, politics, and religion at parties, as it might spark issues.

By following these etiquette tips, you can ensure that you are a gracious and considerate guest at any holiday party.

Read also:

Latest