This post is sponsored by Wente Vineyards but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
8 Tips on How to Be the Best Guest
Tips for Holiday Party Guests
The holiday season is in full swing! It is one holiday gathering after another with work functions or dinner parties with friends and of course, family events. I have 8 Tips on How to Be the Best Guest to guarantee you are the best guest from the invitation list.
DRESS FOR THE OCCASION
Dress for the occasion. It is always better to come overdressed rather than underdressed. A simple black dress or a fitted button up for are always safe. If you really are not sure what to wear, ask the host or hostess.
BRING THE HOSTESS A GIFT
A lot of time, money and energy goes into throwing a holiday party! Bring the host a little something special to say thank you for the invitation right when you walk through the door. A bottle of wine is perfect or even build a wine gift basket with some Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay from Wente Vineyard, wine opener and a couple wine glasses placed in a reusable basket is perfect.
Why choose Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay
Wente Vineyards has been family owned and operated for 135 years in Livermore Valley in the San Francisco Bay area. As this country’s oldest, continuously family-owned winery, it is safe to say that they know wine. Whatever holiday event you are attending, Wente Vineyards has the perfect bottle of wine.
Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay offers a beautifully rich, yet balanced California-style wine with apple and pear notes and a tropical aroma. Pairs well with chicken, cheeses and vegetables.
Check out the wine selection by clicking HERE.
LEAVE YOUR PHONE AT HOME
Leave your phone at home or at least in the car so your full attention is on the party and other guests. Parties are for mingling and visiting with friends or family to catch up on life. Sitting on your phone all night checking your Facebook account is just rude and you are seriously missing out on opportunities to grow relationships and make great memories.
ARRIVE ON TIME
Arrive on time. Not too early because you could end up being in the way as the host prepares for the event. Don’t arrive late either though! Your fashionably late arrival could cause you to miss dinner altogether and you never know exactly what is planned so be on time.
CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF
Make sure your dirty plates, napkins, silverware make it to the sink. Keep track of your beverage all night- no need to have 10 glasses lying around the area. All around, just be a responsible adult and clean up after yourself. Don’t make the host have to pick up after everyone. They have plenty of cleaning up to do already.
LEND A HAND
Lend a hand to set up the dinner table, get food prepped or served, make cocktails or anything else the host could possibly need. Just pay attention and offer help when appropriate.
RSVP AND OFFER TO BRING A DISH
RSVP as soon as possible. A lot of planning goes into hosting a holiday party so let the host know you are attending and if you are bringing any guests so they can plan accordingly. You already have a wine gift basket with Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay to give as a gift but when you RSVP, ask the host if there is anything you can bring. Recommend a Pear Pastry (which will pair perfectly with the Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay).
- 1 pear, diced
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, defrosted
- Sparkling Sugar
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ cup confectioners sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- Let the pastry sheet thaw for 40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Lay the pastry sheet out flat and cut into 9 equal sections. 3 cuts vertical and 3 cuts horizontal to form the 9 pastry squares.
- With each pastry square, fold in the edges towards the middle and press the dough into place making a more circular shaped pastry.
- In a small bowl, add the butter and microwave for 20 seconds. Add the cinnamon and brown sugar. Stir ingredients together.
- Finely dice 1 pear and add to the cinnamon butter. Mix ingredients together.
- Add a spoonful of the pear mixture in the center of each pastry.
- Place the pastries onto a baking sheet and bake 16-18 minutes.
- Let pastries cool on a cooling rack.
- Mix the icing. Whisk together confectioners sugar, vanilla extract and milk. Drizzle over the pastries.
- Add a pinch of sparkling sugar to each pastry and serve.
THANK THE HOSTESS
When you arrive home from the party, write a hand-written thank you note and send immediately. It is always nice as a host to know your hard work was appreciated!
Now that you have these 8 Tips on How to Be the Best Guest , you are going to kill it this holiday season. Bring a bottle of wine from Wente Vineyards and more importantly, give the gift of presence. Be attentive, helpful, thankful and bring joy to those around you.
10 comments
This are amazing tips, I’m usually the hostess and I couldn’t agree more with them
I am usually hosting too so inspiration def came from a host point of view.
Chardonnay is always a good gift option and the dessert you made sounds delicious! I highly appreciate the tips too
Enjoy Paula!
First of all nice post. I’d love to try your recipe ‘cos it looks yummy but I’ll try a vegan option even if I’m not sure if I can use coconut oil intead of butter, will let you know, lovely pics x
Let me know! I dont use coconut oil often but it should work fine!
It is always a good idea to bring a bottle of wine!
My go to gift for sure!
These are great tips and I LOVE the pear pastry recipe!
Thanks Jazz. Enjoy!