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Preparing for a cocktail party involves replying to the host, finding an appropriate gift, determining attire, researching other guests, practicing etiquette, avoiding controversial topics, and eating beforehand.
When you prepare to attend a cocktail party, it’s like preparing to attend a dinner party. Your first step is to reply to the host to let them know you plan to attend. Next, determine the occasion for the party and whether it’s a birthday or an anniversary, start looking for an appropriate gift. While no special gift is required, it is customary to give the guest a gift. A personalized corkscrew or monogrammed wine stoppers are appropriate for such an occasion.
Next, determine the appropriate attire. Depending on the formality of the event, you may need to have your tuxedo ironed or perhaps you may need to hire one. Women should consider whether they have a suitable dress or whether they will need something new. If you buy a new dress, you will also need to look for shoes and a purse. Even if the event isn’t a black tie, you’ll still want to look your best, so start selecting your wardrobe early.
Try to determine who else might be invited as you prepare to attend a cocktail party. Bring it up casually in conversation with other people you suspect might be invited. If there are important people on the guest list, do a little research so you’ll be able to strike up a conversation. People who don’t have much experience socializing at cocktail parties may want to study etiquette, such as practicing holding a drink or purse in their left hand so that their right hand is free to shake when introductions are made.
Uncouth people aren’t attractive or impressive. As you prepare to attend a cocktail party, review etiquette rules such as showing common courtesy to everyone, including the wait staff. While no one expects you to carry on a long conversation about politics with the waiter, a polite “hello,” “please,” or “thank you” is definitely appropriate. Speaking of politics, it’s a good topic to avoid, along with religion and anything of a sexual nature, so you may want to catch up on appropriate current events, best sellers, or anecdotes so you’ll have something to discuss.
It’s a good idea to eat something before going to the cocktail party. A meal is not usually provided, and while hors d’oeuvres are most likely provided, they are not intended as a meal. You don’t want to overeat because you’re hungry, nor do you want your wine or cocktail to go to your head because you haven’t had enough to eat.
Keep these things in mind as you prepare to attend a cocktail party. Relax and be yourself and you can probably look forward to more invites.
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