Being a Party Guest 101

Oh the sweet smell of Summer!

Party season has been kick-started by a remarkable Memorial Day Weekend! Part of becoming an adult is realizing that when you're invited to a party (specifically, a house party) it is a kind gesture to bring a snack or two.

Don't think of it like, “Here’s a thank you gift for inviting me to your party," but rather as, "I appreciate the time you've taken to bring all of our family and friends together for a celebration, and I'd like to contribute as well."

In other words, be a grown up! Hosting parties is expensive—if they weren't, I’d be hosting one every weekend! So, when Aunt Mary invites you to a family barbecue, or your friend Sally invites you over for a pool party, be prepared by being grateful.

The easiest, cheapest, and fastest way to be grateful is stopping at the liquor store for a bottle of wine. This is very appropriate when you know your host enjoys a glass of Napa Valley Chardonnay under the hot sun, or when you're in a pinch! It is not appropriate when you've received the invitation two weeks ago and know Mom is bringing salad, Aunt is bringing a fruit tray, and Grandma bought all the hot dogs and hamburgers. Enjoy the fruits of womanhood and join the old-fashioned club—bring a dish to the party! And no, it is not appropriate to buy a tray from Wegman’s and pass it off as your own recipe. Trust me, others always know.

Plan to cook the day before or the morning of the event. Don’t be intimidated—all you need is one killer recipe that you can reuse the entire summer. Every party you go to people will be begging you to share the recipe for that delicious pasta primavera!

If you positively loathe cooking or baking, let’s get to Plan B. As in, Be Creative. Your little cousins and nieces will be at the family BBQ, and you know the sun will be shining all day! Why not bring a game to keep them entertained? Aunt Mary will love the water balloons you brought to keep the kids busy for half an hour, and grandma loves watching the kids hone their artistic abilities with sidewalk chalk (which is actually a super cheap buy!).

Don't want to bring food to Sally's pool party either? Perhaps you can substitute a fruit salad with water balloons here, too. Even better, you know Sally’s kids don’t have that awesome Swan pool floatie yet! Stop by Target and pick one up for just $19.99. Another must-have for Sally's backyard banger? Fancy citronella candles. These candles are often easy to overlook, yet they set the mood and more importantly, keep the mosquitoes at bay long after the sun goes down!

When you're invited to a party:

1) Think about what type of gift is appropriate.

2) Be creative and don't break the bank!

3) Hand-write and mail a Thank You note as a token of your gratitude.

Much love,

Lia