17 Tips Any Good Holiday Party Guest Should Know

Don't assume you can bring a plus-one, y'all.

1. Always RSVP — even on Facebook.

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Headcount! Is! Important! The host needs to know how many people are actually coming to their shindig so they can buy the correct amount of food and drink, which is a great way to cut down on potential waste too. People will send out a Facebook invite for just about anything (why am I invited to your cat's christening??), so it's easy to see the notification and ignore it, but taking an extra minute to read the description and click "going" or "can't go" will help them and you. Those upcoming event reminders on Facebook have saved my forgetful brain more than once, TBH.

2. Don't assume you can bring a plus-one (or, like, plus-eight).

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Again, that headcount really matters, so unless the host says upfront that you can bring other friends along (or, you're like, going to a holiday rager), please don't roll 12 people deep. There won't be enough hummus for everyone!!! Consider this yet another reason to RSVP — when you do, you can ask the host if it's cool to bring another guest.

3. Show up on time.

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It's fine to be a little late, since that can actually be helpful for the host if they're behind on cleaning, decorating, or prepping food (they may have put 8 p.m. on the invite, but that's only because they don't want people to come until closer to 9, amirite?). But don't be a total Grinch and show up long after the party was supposed to start. That's rude AF.

4. Give a lil' gift to the host.

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Even if the party is BYOB, bring a special bottle of wine or champagne for the host to really show them you're grateful for the invite and all of the blood, sweat, and glitter they probably put into the party. If you'd rather not go the alcohol route, you could give them a Christmas tree ornament, a wintry scented candle, a plant, or flowers.

5. Make an easy no-cook dish.

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If the host needs people to bring snacks and side dishes, go for something like this warm herb jam and goat cheese spread! It'll look like you put in way more effort than you actually did — impressing all of the other guests — while still tasting incredible. Get the recipe here.

6. Bring ice!!!

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If nothing else, bring a bag of ice and the host will cherish your friendship for the rest of their days. I have never been to a party where ice didn't fly off the shelves in the first hour, leaving everyone to sip lukewarm drinks until the host's two small ice trays finished freezing. So, text the host, tell 'em your bringing some glorious frozen water cubes with you and — unless they're a monster and turn you down — they will so appreciate this gesture.

7. Learn how to make one excellent drink.

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This is the best party trick, IMHO. Whether the host already has the ingredients you need or you bring them with you, people will practically be cheering if you can whip up a fun holiday cocktail after the punch inevitably runs out. Consider mixing up some cranberry Moscow Mules — all you'll need is ginger beer, vodka, cranberry juice cocktail, and lime. Get the recipe here.

8. Keep a deck of cards in your bag, just in case.

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Cards are the easiest way to keep guests entertained at a party, but all too often, the host thinks they have some lying around in a junk drawer and never actually finds them. You'll be the hero when you whip out a deck from your tote and keep everyone's boredom at bay.

9. Or, bring a game like Jenga or Cards Against Humanity.

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You can truly never go wrong with either of these games at a party. Both are a great way to get people who don't know each other talking and laughing together too. Have another game at home that's been a hit with your family or friends? There's no hurt in bringing it along, and it's the best feeling when someone else at the party says, "I LOVE that game" and piques everyone's interest.

10. Put your phone away.

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KEEP. IT. IN. YOUR. PANTS.

11. I'm sorry, but...mingle.

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I know, I know, you hate small talk. But so does everyone! When in doubt, ask people questions about themselves, and they don't even have to be about work either — you can ask what their favorite Netflix show was this year or if they're planning any trips in the new year. If the hosts sees everyone getting along and chatting, they'll have one fewer thing to worry about and can relax a bit more knowing people are having a good time. The holidays are a perfect time to brush up on these simple ways to make people love talking to you.

12. And if you know that someone there is only friends with the host, make an effort to include them.

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We all know what it's like to be at a party where you cling to the host for dear life because STRANGER DANGER. It's awkward as heck and makes you feel like a total nuisance while the host is trying to keep the refreshments and conversation flowing. If you see that happening or you know the host's cousin from out of town is there, save this person from themselves and try to include them in your group, knowing how relieved and thankful they'll be inside.

13. Just, you know, be kind.

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The holidays can be a super stressful time, and if you've been rushing all over to shop, see family, keep up with work, cook, and drink enough damn water every day, you might not be showing up to this party full of Christmas cheer. One damp mood can drag a party down, though, so try to stay in the moment by practicing gratitude around the fact that you have somewhere warm and welcoming to celebrate the holidays. At the very least, be kind to everyone there, even strangers you're not in the mood to talk to — it's good for you and them.

14. Bring your own containers for leftovers.

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Chances are, there will be some side dishes, dessert, or — fingers crossed — peppermint bark to take home. When you bring your own containers, the host won't have as many leftovers to figure out later, less food will go to waste, and you won't have to worry about returning the host's Tupperware either. They might not have enough containers for all of their guests to take either, so you'll be doing them a favor. Of course, you know the host better than I do, so it's up to you to assess the situation on this one.

15. Don't overstay your welcome.

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If you see guests begin to trickle out the door or if the host starts yawning, read the room, y'all. It's time vacate the premises and let the host get on with their life. They don't want to have to stay up until 4 a.m. just because they're too polite to disrupt your study abroad story and kick you out.

16. Offer to help clean up.

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Looking out at the endless sea of cups, plates, and decorations after your guests have left the party is one of the most daunting emotions a human can experience. Dramatic? Maybe. But just in case, help the host gather recyclables, throw away trash, and wipe off sticky surfaces. They'll be so grateful to wake up in a clean home the next morning.

17. And don't leave without thanking the host.

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Fight that urge to slip out unnoticed! Even if all they did was serve water and toast, inviting people into their home, especially during the busy holiday season, is something worth acknowledging. Make sure you tell them how much you appreciate being included. A simple "thank you" can go a long way.

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