Party Spot - Party Guests: Be a Perfect Guest

Some parties stick to the books and opt for the ultra-traditional in dress, activities, and food, while others go contemporary and do things their own way. With so many options and personal preferences to consider, the possibilities are nearly endless, but learning a few extra rules can make you the kind of guest who'll always make it to the top of the invite list.

Respect Tradition
For quince and bat mitzvah parties, there's often a portion of the event devoted to special customs, such as dances or religious traditions. If you intend to come to the party, you should plan to participate in all of these customs. It's definitely not cool to frown through the parts you don't like or to skip church or temple time and then show up for the food later on. If there are any customs you don’t understand, you can do a little detective work on your own. (Check out some of the articles right here on PartySpot!).

P.S.: If you really aren't sure, check in with your friend briefly sometime before the party: "I'm not so sure I know all the traditions for this -- could you explain a few to me so that I can help things go smoothly?" This shows your concern for making the event go well, and will get you the info you need to avoid feeling dorky when the big day arrives.

Keep Some Breathing Room
Your host will be under a lot of pressure to give all of her guests attention, so even if she's your best bud, don't glue yourself to her side for the whole event. This is especially important at larger parties, where your host will be responsible for saying lots of gracious hellos and good-byes to long-lost friends and family.

It's Not All About You
It might seem like an obvious no-no, but one of the most common mistakes guests make when attending parties is forgetting whose special day it is. They get so wrapped up in what will make them happy, they forget that the party isn't being held just for them. Whatever you do, don't upstage your host by demanding everyone's attention! Stress is contagious, so if you find you're busy worrying about how well the menu meshes with your eating habits, mourning a hair style or outfit that didn't go well, or freaking out about an ex who's in attendance, best to put on a brave face and keep on partying.

Mind Your Manners
Even though it may seem like no one notices, simple words like "please" and "thank you" make a big difference, especially when parents are involved. When you arrive, say hello and try to comment on some aspect of the party that's especially cool. Be specific: "Wow, I can tell a lot of work went into those decorations!" sounds a lot more personal than "Uh, this is nice." When you need something (the bathroom, a phone to check in with your folks), say please.

Don't Break the Rules
This means no snooping around your host's home or party venue, no pranks or practical jokes, and especially no spiking the punch or sneaking a smoke out back! In addition to being rude, illegal, and/or unhealthy, activities like these can get you and your host in loads of trouble with parents, the people who manage the venue, and even at school or work if the word gets out! Best to skip the rule-breaking and focus on having a blast without sneaking around.

Make a Perfect Exit
When you leave, say good-bye and thank your host and her parents. Didn't have a good time? Remember, it's the thought that counts, and keep it to yourself. You don't have to gush about how awesome everything was, but something like, "Thank you for having me -- it was great to be included" is a must. Being polite is a small price to pay for a night out.

-- Morgan Brown