The 7 New Year’s Eve Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
1. Failure to Respond Promptly
Even in 2021, sending an RSVP is critical. “Remember to RSVP to the host or hostess as soon as possible, even if you are unsure you will be able to attend,” etiquette expert Jules Martinez Hirst advises.
If you’re unsure about your social plans for the week and are waiting to see what else comes up, don’t tell your host. Hirst’s remarks, “Alternatively, you could say, ‘Thank you for the invitation.’ I might have a conflict that evening, but if not, I’d love to go. I should know by the end of next week. Is that something you’d be interested in?'”
Also, don’t expect your invitation to be automatically extended to other friends or visitors. “Never arrive at a party with a guest if you were the only one invited,” Hirst advises. “If you have an unexpected guest, call your host and explain the situation; chances are, your host will gladly extend an invitation to your guest as well.”
2. Stocking up on food at home ahead of time
Simply put, “don’t eat before you arrive,” according to etiquette expert Lisa Grotts. “There’s a reason we say, ‘eat, drink, and be merry.'” Make room in your stomach for everything the party host has to offer, assuming the event is a sit-down dinner. Grotts clarifies “However, if you’re only going to drink, you should have something in your stomach to coat it ahead of time!”
And if you’re the host, don’t underestimate your guests’ food and beverage requirements, advises Tracy Taylor Ward, owner and creative director of her eponymous event planning and design production company. “It’s difficult to predict how much your guests will eat and drink,” she says, “but a good rule of thumb is to always overestimate, especially on New Year’s Eve.” “The celebratory nature often results in guests throwing caution to the wind when it comes to overindulging, which, if not properly planned, could result in you running out of food and drinks well before the clock strikes midnight.”
3. Remaining Private
Even if you’re exhausted from weeks of socializing with friends and family, you’ll want to put your best foot forward one more time before wrapping up the holiday party circuit. “If you were invited, your host believes you have something to contribute to the evening,” Grotts observes. “Make it a point to converse with others. It’s a two-way street all the time.”
At the same time, chatterboxes should be aware of how much they’re saying, according to etiquette expert Courtney Fadler. “Be careful not to dominate the conversation,” she advises. “It’s great to share a story or two, but pay attention to social cues and allow others to express themselves as well.”
4. Arriving too soon or too late
According to Fadler, being fashionable late isn’t so great. “Attend a dinner party or gathering on time, but not early,” she suggests. “Your host is probably putting the final touches on the party and isn’t ready to entertain. If you’re going to be more than 15 minutes late, let your host know ahead of time so they don’t have to wait on you for food or festivities.”
5. Failure to Arrive Party-Ready
All you need to do is show up in a good mood and with a token of appreciation for your host. “Arrive with a smile on your face and a host gift in hand, such as a bottle of wine or a potted plant,” suggests Fadler. “Everyone appreciates a cheerful guest who is ready to enjoy the evening and isn’t complaining about the day.”
6. Making These Toasting Errors
A toast or two is unavoidable at a New Year’s Eve party. Maryanne Parker, an etiquette expert, shares a few best practices to remember when raising your glass. First, fill your cup—if you don’t drink champagne, a fizzy non-alcoholic drink like sparkling apple cider is perfectly acceptable, she says. “Participating in a toast with an empty glass is rather disrespectful and demonstrates that we are not a part of the celebration,” Parker explains.
There’s also no need to clink glasses, she adds. “On many occasions, people avoid clinking glasses because some crystals can easily break, and instead of being the best guest, we may quickly become the worst.” The alternative move is much simpler and will suffice to greet everyone at the table. States “We can raise the glass to our face level, look the person in front of us in the eyes, and say ‘Cheers’ in a gentle way,” Parker says.
Not sure how to properly hold your glass? Kelley Yates, an etiquette expert, offers the following advice. “Don’t hold your glass like a goblet,” she says. “Hold it by the lower part of the stem for a more elegant poise and to prevent the wine from warming.”
7. Having a Midnight Kiss Feeling Pressed
There are numerous reasons why someone might not want to smooch with another party guest at midnight—and it’s perfectly fine to decline. “When the clock strikes midnight and the kisses begin to fly, you can politely say, ‘No, thank you,'” Hirst says. “If you’re not that brave, you can politely turn your head for a kiss on the cheek if your friend approaches you.”
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