How To Be The Good Guest Who Will Be Invited Back

What exactly is a good guest? I’m not particularly outgoing, but my boyfriend — as it turns out — is a real party animal and especially loves Christmas. I try to get into the spirit and look with envy at how easily he glad handles everyone whether he knows them or not. Any advice on how to be a good guest would be appreciated.

–CH, Seattle

The best guests are usually themselves the most experienced hosts.

The more you personally entertain, the practice will make it easier for you to be the perfect good guest.

Don’t

arrive late
be a no-show
play with food
kiss, hug or touch just anyone
get drunk
gossip about the host or other guests
take home the remainder of the wine you brought
eat more than your fair share of the food
bring an uninvited guest or plus-one
be the rude guest that stares at their phone the whole time
assume everyone knows your name and relationship status
let friends drive who have had too much to drink

accept as soon as you receive the invite
be well-dressed and well-groomed
listen to your host’s requests about coats, boots, gifts, dress code
do find out where the coats are being kept
bring a small gift when the invite doesn’t stipulate ‘no gifts’ and you are not able to reciprocate
be a self-sustaining guest and mingle
keep your hands to yourself, not everyone wants to be pawed
sense when the host or another guest doesn’t wish to be kissed
introduce yourself, even if you vaguely know the person
offer to help with the cleaning up
ask for help getting home
offer a drunk guest a ride home
send a thank-you text, message, note, or holiday card