guide to holiday party etiquette

As the holidays fast approach, I’m giddy with the thought of all the parties I’ll be attending this season. Starting in October and through January, friends and family will convene for good times and catching up. Whether it’s a Halloween extravaganza, Thanksgiving meal or the many holiday parties thrown around Christmas and New Year’s, I’m sure you’ll have at least one party to attend!

This week, I’m sharing with you my favorite holiday party etiquette tips and tricks to help you survive each fete with as little faux-pas as possible. I’ve shared my favorite ways to stay on track with your nutrition plan during the holidays, but this year I’m sharing my favorite ways to keep your cool with all that socializing on your to-do list.

Your Holiday Party Etiquette Calendar

We all love our holidays, but with so many to celebrate, how can you keep your head straight? I’ve created a quick and easy list for you to take note when accepting invitations.

• Rosh Hashana: October 3rd
• Yom Kippur: October 12th
• Diwali: October 30th
• Halloween: October 31st
• Thanksgiving: November 24th
• Christmas Eve & Christmas: December 24th & 25th
• Chanukah/Hanukkah: December 24th-January 1st
• New Year’s Eve & Day: December 31st & January 1st

5 Holiday Party Tips to Survive the Season

Holiday Etiquette #1: Never Arrive Empty Handed

A major faux pas is to arrive at any party with empty hands. Consider bringing an appetizer, bottle of wine, small gift for the host/ess or card for the mantle when accepting an invite. Of course, always check with the party’s organizers first to see if they want you to bring anything but even if they insist no, please find a small token of appreciation to gift them for opening their home to you this time of year.

Holiday Etiquette #2: Politely Decline

We’ve all been there: a large table of delicious holiday food that may not agree with your nutrition plan, stomach or year-end goals. Respecting your host’s party platters while also acknowledging your own needs can sometimes be tricky. My favorite way to avoid any food faux pas is to politely decline anything that may derail me, while enthusiastically accepting foods that are both healthy and nutritious. Of course, if you suffer from any major allergies tell your host or hostess prior, as he or she may feel horrible for making foods that you just can’t eat.

Holiday Etiquette #3: Be Late but Not Too Late

Culture plays a big role on arrival times, so don’t be too upset if some of your more international guests arrive up to an hour late. If you’re attending a party, try not to arrive too late (an hour max) or too early (anytime prior to the invitation start time). Anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes from the start time is typically acceptable.

Holiday Etiquette #4: Avoid Comfortable Conversation Clusters

There is nothing worse than attending a party where small clusters of good friends huddle together throughout the room, ignoring or otherwise disregarding small talk with other individuals. Bridge the gap and work the room, introducing yourself to people you may not know that well. This creates a more festive group atmosphere overall and creates a sense of comfort with guests who may not know many people.

Holiday Etiquette #5: Pace Yourself

Everyone loves a good party and if alcohol is served remember to take it slow. Downing a few glasses of wine or hard liquor too quickly can leave you regretting things said or done the next day… and not receiving an invite back the next year. The holiday season also sees an increase in drunk driving accidents and deaths, so staying within the legal limits is of utmost importance. Finally, if you do have one too many, quietly excuse yourself and call a cab home. Your host will thank you later!

And Finally….

The holidays are my favorite time of year – a time of celebration, coming together and sharing moments with family and friends. Remember to take some time to be present with those you love, cherish the memories you make and enjoy each other’s company. The rush of the season can stress and exhaust the best of us, but going into this magical time of year grounded allows us to enjoy the true meaning of the holidays.

Interested in making this holiday season your most fit and healthy one yet? Check out my upcoming PiYo Group Challenges and join us for a healthy holiday season!

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So tasty you won’t notice it's good for you!

Our gift to you is a free week long meal plan created by a Famous Brazilian Culinary Expert and Gastronomist following the 2B Mindset principles. You'll also receive our love notes and never miss an update from our tribe.

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