7 Tips on How to Mingle Your Way Through the Holiday Season
A How-To Guide on Etiquette, Eating, and Festivities
Regardless if it’s a small party of 10 or a larger party of 30, this holiday season doesn’t have to be full of drama and exhaustion. This year, whether you’re a guest or the host, get-togethers are a great place to catch up with friends and family as well as to meet new people. However, regardless of which side of the party you’re on, table etiquette, food decisions, and general politesse are always great skills to bring with you to any festivity. We’ve come up with 7 tips on how to make it on to everyone’s guest list this season.
The Importance of an RSVP
With so many different ways to send event invitations, it’s easy to overlook the RSVP notification. With the demands of everyday life, it isn’t uncommon to receive a Facebook invite weeks before the actual event date. This leaves plenty of time to potentially forget to update your RSVP, which leaves the organizer wondering if you’ll be joining the festivities. Regardless of how you receive your invitation, it’s always in good taste to let the host know if you plan to attend as soon as possible. This gives them time to plan accordingly so that they can throw an awesome gathering. The host took the time to invite you and will appreciate the courtesy of a response, but continue not to RSVP and you may find yourself getting blacklisted from future events. As the host, you can always send out a quick message to your guests via the Facebook page to remind everyone to RSVP. However, the event organizer typically shouldn’t have to chase down guests for an answer. Like mentioned above, if guests do not RSVP within an adequate time frame, the host may think twice before extending another invitation in the future.
2. Thoughtful Gifts for the Host
You don’t have to bring the host a hand-woven basket filled with the finest cheeses and French wine to thank them for their hospitality. A thoughtful, small gift that shows the host that you are thinking of them works just fine. A simple bottle of wine or a decorative addition to their spice rack is a nice touch. If food isn’t your style, a winter-themed plant arrangement will make a festive addition to the party.
3. Don’t Let Dietary Restrictions Stop the Feast
Dietary restrictions can definitely cut some of your favorite foods from your diet – we know the feeling! However, living with diet requirements has a lot to do with staying well-versed with nutrition labels and getting creative with food substitutes. There are plenty of recipes that are delicious and flavorful that don’t include preservatives and processed additives. If you are invited to a party and have dietary restrictions or allergies, let the host know ahead of time so that they can take your needs into consideration. By doing this, it will keep you healthy and safe and allow the party to go off without a hitch. Purchase our cookbook, You Can Do It! for more tips and tricks on nutrition basics.
4. Check Out the Appetizer Table – Be Selective!
Have you ever told yourself that you will eat moderately before a party in hopes of saving your appetite for the main course? It’s been tried, and we can confidently say that it’s better to snack regularly so that you don’t end up eating the entire appetizer spread while waiting for dinner. Be selective in your choices by scoping out the options and filling a plate with a few snacks. Using a plate will encourage portion control versus picking at the appetizer spread mindlessly. If the invites request that you bring a dish and you need some ideas, our cookbook, You Can Do It! – Volume I: Appetizers, Soups, Salads offers a number of versatile recipes that will fit any party theme.
5. No Fuss. No Drama.
You may have a copy of You Can Do It! to help you out on all things food and nutrition related, but guest vibes are a different story. This holiday season, avoid the fuss and drama as the host by being prepared, providing great food, knowing your guests, and letting go of any high expectations. Stay neutral and avoid hot-button topics such as politics and family issues to ensure that you remain as relaxed as possible throughout your event. If you are attending an event as a guest, keep in mind that the organizer has to divide their time among many people so offering to help and emitting an easy-going demeanor will help to keep the gathering merry and light.
6. Party Over? But, There’s Still Eggnog!
Eggnog is delicious – when it’s made right, that is! Sometimes the punch bowl filled with eggnog is just as is, but other times there’s a bit more of a kick to it. The best rule of thumb is to always start with a small amount in your glass. This advice is for two reasons: 1. If the eggnog is delicious you can casually go up for more and 2. If the eggnog is a bit stronger than you were expecting, you have the option to sip it slowly while being social. It’s always safer to be the person who asks for the eggnog recipe before drinking versus being the guest who doesn’t realize that the party is over because the eggnog was stronger than you thought. Try out our favorite eggnog recipe at the end of this blog to help you get into the holiday spirit.
7. Spreading Holiday Cheer, Love and Grace
No matter where the holidays take you this season, just keep with the theme and spread happiness and cheer wherever you go. Even if you master all of our 7 tips and mingle your way flawlessly through the holiday season, if you’re fortunate enough to have good food, family, and festivities, you can’t possibly go wrong.
2 Chefs + A Pan Eggnog Recipe
6 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
ground cinnamon - for topping
Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a medium bowl until light and creamy.
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Stir often until mixture reaches a bare simmer. Serve in coffee mugs or chilled and add a splash of your favorite spirits.
Want to pack more punch with your Eggnog? Pair our great eggnog recipe with our cranberry meatball dish which can be found on our website.
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