You attended a dinner party and had a wonderful time. The meal has been consumed and the guests rise from the table. What is your next move?
A hostess will usually ask her guests to move into another room for after-dinner drinks. It is polite to stay 30-45 minutes and mingle with the other guests, then feel free to say your good-byes and exit. If an activity like a board game or charades is planned after dinner it would be nice for you to stay and participate. When a guest leaves it can cause others to feel they, too, should make their exits. This can cause the party to end abruptly. Be a good sport and join the fun.
Once the evening has ended and you are home, you still have one more responsibility. A gracious guest will follow up with a thank you note or phone call. Try to do this within 1-2 days. The formula for a thank you looks like this:
Acknowledge the event
Give words of thanks
Give a compliment
Finish with positive words
Example:
“I enjoyed the dinner party in your lovely home. (Acknowledging the event.) Thank you for including me in such a wonderful evening. (Words of thanks.) The company was entertaining, and the food was delicious. (Giving a compliment.) I look forward to the next time we can be together. (Finishing with positive words.) Sincerely…”
The party hostess worked hard to deliver a fun evening. Your hand-written note is a way to send some love back to her. Little things make a big impact in the world. Become the guest everyone wants at their party and expand your social circle to help you live a more vibrant and fulfilling life.
Together with you,
Lisa Lou