Finishing School Short Course - Manners for Parties

This month we are giving you a quick finishing school short course on a variety of topics. Today's topic is manners for parties. 1) RSVP'ing - always do it and do it timely, whether yes or no. It's just polite to help your host plan. 2) Bringing Others - Whoever is on the invite is invited. If your baby is not on the invite, baby is not invited. If the invite says "Name and Family" bring everyone along. "Name and Guest" on the invite then your +1 is invited. 3) Special Food Needs - For really large parties, you should be prepared to be on your own. Don't mention your dietary needs to your host. For small dinner parties, let the host know as soon as possible and offer to bring a dish. 4) Arrival Time - for dinner party, show up 10 to 15 minutes after scheduled time. NEVER NEVER show up early because the host may not be ready. Any later than 15 minutes late, you should let the host know. 5) Saying Good-Bye - If there are fewer than a dozen people in attendance, that is your cue to move on. Say good-bye to the host and if there are more than that you can slip out and send a note that says thank you so much for a great party. 6) Leaving Promptly - do not be the last guest at a party unless you are a very close friend. The evening is over when these things happen - music is off, lights are on, server has been dismissed, and food is getting cleaned up. 7) Kicking Out Guests - If it is getting late, it is ok to let guests know you have an early morning and say you have to start cleaning. If you need to be more blunt, you can say thank you for staying until the end, I had such a good time with you, but I am going to have to turn in now.