30 Biggest Holiday Party No-No’s

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Ah, the holiday party. Unless you’re a hermit, these gatherings are unavoidable. It might be a party hosted by friends, your family, or your office, but you’re going to get invited to at least one holiday party this season. And it’s either going to be the social highlight of your year or the humiliating disaster you spend the next twelve months living down.

Steer clear of these egregious holiday party fouls and you’ll not only survive—you’ll also be the most put-together person in the room. And for more rules on how to comport yourself, check out the 23 Old-Fashioned Etiquette Rules That Still Apply Today .

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Letting a host know whether you actually plan on attending is a fairly big deal—unless you don’t intend on eating, drinking, or taking up any space.

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Whether you’re bringing a romantic partner or just a pal, make sure they know what to expect before they walk in the door. Do the hosts have any peculiar quirks? Who should they avoid at all costs? Is the fruitcake safe to eat? What about the “mystery punch?” Trust me: Holiday parties are often dangerous, so every couple needs a game plan. And for more dating advice, check out these heart-warming relationship sayings that will inspire your relationship.

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If a party starts at 5pm and you knock on the door at 5pm, your host absolutely wasn’t expecting you. “Fashionably late” is another way of saying “on time.” To master the art of punctuality, be sure you know the 15 Easy Hacks That Will Make You Show Up At The Right Time—Every Time .

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Nobody wants to miss out on the fun, but if you’re sick and even mildly contagious, showing up anyway is the dictionary definition of selfish. Remember: This isn’t about you feeling better. It’s about not getting everybody else sick. Feeling a cold coming on? Here’s how to stop it before it starts.

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If the conversation naturally flows in the direction of current events, it’s OK to wade into those waters. But don’t you dare start there.

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This one goes without saying. And if you’re bartender? Well, be sure you know the 20 Cocktails Everyone Should Know How to Make .

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If it’s just you and the host, trust me: It’s time to grab your coat and call an Uber.

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Unless you’ve done extensive research on all the invited guests, it’s a terrible idea to be the holiday party gossip. Bringing up a topic like “You won’t believe who cheated on his wife” stops being fun the moment you realize you’re talking to that guy’s wife .

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You’re better than this.

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You shouldn’t wear your “ugly sweater” to a black-tie event, and vice versa.

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Nobody wants to look like a pig, but declining even a nibble from the party platter could lead to trouble down the line if you’re drinking. Three glasses of wine on an empty stomach? Don’t do it!

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There’s nothing wrong about coming to a holiday party alone, especially if the party is at a friend’s house. It gets weird, however, when you bring a date that your host (and you ) barely knows. Your guest is your responsibility. If he or she doesn’t something really embarrassing, it’s on you.

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You show up at a crowded party and immediately gravitate to the people you recognize, and end up staying in the same corner all night, having the same conversations you always do. Be brave: Find a stranger and introduce yourself.

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Acknowledging their effort is just good manners.

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Know your audience!

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Unless you live there, you ain’t leaving with the leftovers.

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Can’t stand all that Burl Ives ? Host your own party then. Unless you’re explicitly asked, it’s not your job to DJ.

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Sorry, but they are, and they can’t believe their eyes.

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They sound like fun, but with all of that alcohol and those fruity, sugary mixers, they’re also a one-way-ticket to getting embarrassingly drunk.

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Pretend the holiday party is like Vegas. What happens there should stay there.

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If children are welcome at a holiday party, your host will likely tell you in advance.

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We know you love your pooch, but even the most well-behaved dog doesn’t belong at a holiday party. Leave ‘em at home.

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Check the pockets. Always check the pockets!

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As much as the other guests would love to hear about your surgery or why you just can’t get along with your mother-in-law, maybe those are conversational nuggets you save for another occasion.

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Rule: If spending cap is $50, spend somewhere in the realm of $50. Don’t spend $5.

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Dangling a plant over somebody’s head does not give you permission to kiss them.

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Even if it’s not an office party, this is a bad idea. Finding out that guy you met over by the dip goes to the same country club as your boss isn’t something you want to find out after the fact.

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You’ve probably had too many holiday-themed cocktails.

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Trying to turn a party into an open mic is one of the worst party moves anyone can do.

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You know why it’s stupid to get behind the wheel with even the slightest buzz.