Have you accepted an invitation to a house party? Be prepared to be a good guest while being comfortable in your outfit all night long.
The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.
Coco Chanel
Here is my list of holiday party tips:
- Check with your host or hostess for the dress code if it hasn't been specified in the invitation. Is a dressy jean outfit going to be appropriate or would a dress be better?
- Be prepared for both hot and cold indoor temperatures. If you know your host or hostess, you may have a clue about whether they keep their home on the cool side or like to keep things warm. If your jacket is the more decorative piece of your ensemble, be sure you can take it off and still look appropriate in the layer that's underneath the jacket. If you aren't comfortable baring your arms, choose a lightweight ¾ sleeved top or dress. Prepare for a chilly room or the outdoors by bringing a festive shawl or a good-looking cardigan.
- Don't douse yourself in scents. When preparing for an intimate gathering, try using as many unscented products as possible and go light on perfume or avoid the perfume altogether. Many people are allergic to scents or are turned off by heavy scents. Don&#
039;t be “that” guest. The main scents people should be enjoying in an intimate social gathering should be the smells of great food and maybe fragrant flower arrangements.
- Be prepared for a party in a house that has a no-shoes rule. Check your pedicure, be sure you feel comfortable in your outfit sans shoes, and/or wear clean socks with no holes in them.
- Don't wear spiky high heels unless you know you'll only be walking on carpets. Leaving indentations of your skinny heels on someone's hardwood floors won't make you a welcomed guest.
- If you have food allergies, don't make it a problem for the already overworked host or hostess. Eat before the party or offer to bring a dish to share.
- If you have pet allergies, check to see if your host or hostess has cats or dogs and bring your allergy medicine with you. Look for a chair that's wooden or leather and avoid sitting on the upholstered chair or floor pillows, which might be Fluffy's favorite lounging spot.
- Keep your cell phone off with only rare exceptions. If you need to check in with the babysitter, step outside to make the call. Or, put your phone on vibrate and keep it in your pocket for emergencies only.
- Send a thank you note the next day, including a picture of you and your hostess, thanking your host or hostess for the wonderful time you had.
The dress must follow the body of a woman, not the body following the shape of the dress.
Hubert deGivency
