The cocktail party can be a delicate, enigmatic thing if you're not familiar with the unspoken customs and conventional etiquette. If you arm yourself with a little social know-how, you can forget about stirring up trouble and concentrate on stirring your drink.
You may be a young professional looking to make an impression without being noticed for the wrong reasons, or an experienced executive who is at ease at the office, but a tad anxious when it comes to the cocktail party. Usually the whole idea of a cocktail party is to relax and enjoy, in which case the rules are clear and east to follow. Other times, a good deal of mingling and networking takes place.
These parties may be one of the few chances that come along for aspiring employees to make a splash with the bigwigs. That is why it's important to become familiar with proper cocktail party etiquette. Learn the rules so you can forget about them and concentrate on letting your personality shine. It would be a shame to miss out on that big promotion because you were sipping your beer from the bottle instead of pouring it into a beer glass.
You Have Been Cordially Inviteded
It all begins with the invitation. Oftentimes, the invitation will specify dress code and give the partygoers their first glimpse of the mood of the party. If the language is fancy, it's a safe bet the party will be too. Be sure to follow any indicated dress code. Accepting an invitation also means accepting the host's choice of dress. |  |
If the invitation requests an RSVP, be sure to respond on time. Think of following RSVP instructions as your one small assignment to help prepare for the party. This common courtesy allows the host to plan accordingly. It would be a shame to commit a party foul before the party has begun.
Study Up
Be prepared to schmooze. Know the guest list and have a few topics in mind for the people you want to meet. This will make things go smoothly and keep you from worrying about what to say. Extend your hand to people you don't know. This usually means keeping your martini or wine glass in your left hand. Make an effort to personally greet everyone at the party. This will reflect well upon you and alleviate the pressure on the host.
Drinks
Some etiquette experts claim holding red wine by the bowl of the glass and white wine by the stem is proper. However, wine experts say hold all glasses by the stem unless the wine needs to be warmed by the heat of the hand. Know the crowd. If it is a fine wine or wine-tasting event, trust the wine experts' advice.
At the bar, be sure to pour beers into a glass if the bartender doesn't do it for you. At self-serve cocktail parties, use a bottle opener even for twist off caps. Use the tongs to take cubes from the ice bucket, dropping one at a time into your mixed cocktail glass before you pour. Be sure to use stir sticks if available.
Eyes on the Prize
Eat, but don't eat excessively. The same goes for drinking, of course. If food and cocktails become your focus, you will compromise socializing. Becoming engrossed in conversation is a great way to keep you from hovering around the bar or food table.
Whatever you do, remember the don'ts. Don't get plastered. Don't bring up controversial topics. Don't drink and drive.
Making an Exit
When it's time for you to go, be sure to make your round for goodbyes and thank the host. An unannounced exit is inconsiderate. If you've had a few drinks, make sure you have a designated driver or arrange for a taxi. Getting behind the wheel when you shouldn't endangers lives and is certain to negate the good impression you made.
If you followed the rules, chances are that the night was a success and surprisingly enjoyable as well. Anytime you balance an evening with moderate consumption and plenty of mingling, the feeling is one of satisfying accomplishment.
Afterthoughts
Before you celebrate making a good impression, one final task remains. Within a few days, be sure to thank the host with a card or phone call. This gesture shows consideration and will make your host feel appreciated.
