If you’ve been invited to Christmas drinks or a New Year’s bash, but you’re not sure what’s expected of you as a guest, let Tanqueray steer you in the right direction
Go smart
If someone is going to the trouble of hosting a get-together with decorations and drinks, or even cooking a three-course meal, the very least you can do is make the effort to turn on the glamour. You don’t have to go to town, a smart shirt or a sparkly top will do the job, but it’s a good non-verbal way to let your host know that you value their invitation, you want to help make the evening memorable, and that you’re truly entering into the spirit of the festivities.
Be punctual
Try to turn up on time, especially if it’s a dinner party. It can be stressful for a host trying to entertain guests at the same time as cooking – in fact, they’ve probably had to work out all the oven times in advance, so waiting on the last guest to arrive can throw that schedule into chaos and lead to one dish being burnt and another being under-cooked. On the flipside, don’t turn up early, as that can be equally stressful for the host. They may be in the middle of prepping, tidying up or trying to get themselves ready.
Bring a gift
Your host will be going to great expense laying on food and drink for the evening, so bringing a gift with you is a thoughtful way of thanking them. Flowers will need to be put in a vase with water swiftly, and your host may not have the time to do that if they’re busy topping up drinks or serving food, so a bottle of something nice is the best option.
To make your host feel suitably special, treat them to a bottle of Tanqueray No. Ten or one of the amazing Tanqueray No. Ten gift packs – a gift that goes beyond. See how Stanley Tucci uses it in the video below. If you want your gift to have a personal touch, why not go for a flavour you know they’ll love? Tanqueray’s Flor de Sevilla is distilled with orange blossom for a bold taste, while juicy dark berries bring the Blackcurrant Royale to life, and zesty Rangpur limes, zingy ginger and bay leaves give the Rangpur Lime a refreshing kick.
Don’t look at your phone
Unless you want to show another guest something on your phone, you’re taking photos, or you need to check to see if you have any messages from the babysitter, don’t even think about getting your gadget out. It’s rude – not only to your host, but also your fellow guests – as it implies they’re not interesting enough to keep your full attention, and it makes it clear you’re not really engaging with what’s going on around you. Social media and emails can wait until you get home, so just allow yourself to be in the moment and make the most of being surrounded by your friends or loved ones in person.
Lend a helping hand
Offer to make yourself useful and help your host, whether that’s filling people’s glasses and serving food, or clearing the table and doing the dishes. Chances are they probably won’t take you up on it, but they’ll appreciate the gesture, nonetheless. And if they do accept your offer, you’ll feel good knowing you’re helping them out – plus, who’s to say you won’t enjoy yourself while you’re doing it? Taking care of the drinks, for instance, can be a fun way to play bartender and try out some new cocktail recipes on your friends. If you need some inspiration, just watch the video below.
Be cheerful and friendly
If you’re attending a party where not everyone knows each other, it can be a lot of work for your host to introduce everyone and try to get conversations going. So, help them out by talking to someone you don’t know so well, particularly if they’re looking a little bit awkward or left out. Nothing will make your host feel better (or more relieved) than seeing people smiling, chatting and enjoying themselves. And if you spend the whole time sitting there looking glum or bored, don’t be surprised if you don’t receive an invitation next year!
Just be nice
Take a minute to pay your host a compliment. You could tell them how lovely you think their home is, how pretty their Christmas tree looks or how delicious one of their cocktail inventions tastes – whatever you say, it will mean a lot to them and make them feel good. Don’t forget to thank them afterwards too. It may no longer be considered necessary to write a thank you card, but it would be a charming touch. If not, a text message or even an email expressing your gratitude will be just as well received.