Hosting a dinner party is fun but a lot of work. Amid all that, we often forget some basic etiquettes, be it the host or the guest invited to the gala.


Make sure you do not make these errors when you attend a friend’s or family member’s party.

Follow these basic rules and you will be sorted.

Rules for guests

1. Never arrive early

Hosts have a lot of preparations to make before the party begins. You will simply be disturbing it all as they will have to attend to you instead of taking care of the last minute preps. It is rather rude to reach early.

2. Inform if late

If you are running late, you must inform the host about it in a regrettable tone. Let them know about your E.T.A. Be honest. This prepares the host’s mind and the permission to proceed in your absence.

3. No plus ones without asking

Many people forget this and it is absolutely mannerless to do so. If you have a plus one, you must inform the host no matter how friendly your relationship is with the latter. They may not have space or setting. They may even have fixed number of plates. Your uninvited guest too will feel uncomfortable.

4. Offering to help out

Offer to help out but ask just once as a formality. Unless the host really needs your help, they would much rather have you not disturbing how the party is to be handled.

Rules for the host

5. Be ready on time

It is important to be ready at the time you gave out with the invitation. Always!

6. Rerouting heated discussions

At times, when there are discussions, they are mostly on politics and they tend to get rather heavy. To avoid that atmosphere if you are not okay with it, a host has the power to simmer it down or change a topic.

7. Handling the drunkards

If you think that one of your guests is too drunk, put them in another room if you can or with people who you know can handle a drink. Also, ask the person to stay the night or if a friend they came with can take them home, because driving is not a good idea plus public transport at night when drunk is not safe either. You can also close down the bar after a particular time to avoid episodes.

8. Keep your phone away

Yes there is always some picture time but you must keep your phone away for the rest of your time as you are the host!