Quick Refresher  

Do not arrive early. No exceptions.

Arriving early might seem like the polite thing to do, but hold up. It's a hard no in the party world. Don't believe us? Your host might not be thrilled to see you standing there while they're still setting things up. So, relax and take a breather. Go for a stroll or grab some flowers. It's way cooler to arrive right on time or even a few minutes late than cringe-ly early.

Get the all-clear for a plus-one.

Some things never go out of style, like asking permission before crashing a party with your plus-one. In our more laid-back world, it's easy to forget the importance of seeking the host's approval before bringing a guest. Whether it's a formal ball or a casual BBQ, it's essential to consider the host's feelings and avoid any awkward missteps.

Bring Barbet.

Sick and tired of playing that wine roulette game where you show up to dinner parties with a lackluster bottle of vino? It's time to trade in the usual tribute bottle for a mixed pack of Barbet. Trust us, your guests will be over the moon, whether whipping up cocktails or sticking to something non-alcoholic. Let's put a cork in the Pinot bottles and show off your mixology skills. 

Bring Ice.

Before heading to your friend's shindig, shoot them a quick text with the magic words, "Do you need ice?" We all know the answer is a resounding "Yes!" since ice is like gold at any party. And, if you really want to be the party MVP, pack your own mini cooler in case your pal's freezer is jam-packed.

Send a thank you note.

Even if you forget everything else on this list, here's a life-saving hack: a couple of days after the dinner party, shoot a text or email to the host thanking them for their hospitality. Trust us, it's worth its weight in gold.

 

Nail the Art of Small Talk

When it comes to dinner parties, the conversation is one thing that can’t be set up in advance. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared. Here are some tips to help you nail the art of small talk. 

How to respond to "how are you doing?"

Keep it snappy and positive by saying, "Good!" A simple, no-fuss reply that won't bog anyone down with tales of woe or existential dread.

How to remind someone your name.

So, you've met someone before, but they still need to remember your name. No worries - Here's a smooth move to jog their memory: "Hey there, we've crossed paths; I'm X." This trick packs a punch with just the right touch of confidence ("We've met, remember?") and kindness (you're tossing in your name so they don't have to feel bad about skipping it).

How to warm up the crowd.

The art of small talk is like a warm-up session before the real deal. It gives guests a chance to size each other up and break the ice before diving headfirst into deeper topics like the meaning of life or the juicier bits of our personal lives. Think of it as a mental stretch before an intellectual marathon.

Know when to zip it.

Zip it and lend an ear. Let's face it, no one's too keen on your thoughts. All they crave is to spill their own beans. Listening isn't just a chance to prepare your comeback in silence. 

That said...

Try to resist the urge to scout the area for a more hip conversationalist.

Forget about the usual boring chitchat.

Before your next guest appearance, whip out some quirky news to spice things up. For instance, have you heard of Wally, the alligator who made headlines for being an emotional support animal? He got rejected from a Philly restaurant! Or, what about Hank, the bear who broke into 21 homes in New York State? Now that's a wild story! Dare to be different and add a dash of eccentricity to your small talk.

Be a "ladylike broad"

Throw caution to the wind and dive into those sticky topics in your chats. The most unforgettable moments come from guests who spark lively discussions and debates. The trick is to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels heard and respected. Embrace your inner Elaine Stritch and be a "ladylike broad" - a savvy conversationalist who can charm and entertain while dropping in a clever one-liner or two.

Don't try to get on the podium

It's futile to think you can convince a conservative that we should fund performance art with taxes in one perfect retort. Let's face it, you won't come out on top! But here's the good news: When you realize that you don't have to "win," political arguments become way more chill.

Take a hint

If your host is elbow-deep in dish soap, it's the universal sign that the shindig has come to an end. If you want an invite back, don't be the party-lingerer.