Evolving Party Etiquette and Party Hosts

How Party Etiquette Changed & is Hosting Easier or Harder?

Dear Polite One,

How has party etiquette changed during the last decades? What makes throwing parties easier or harder today? What are the qualities of the best hosts you’ve ever seen? What about the worst?

Party Person

Dear Party Person,

I don’t really think party etiquette has changed much except that we have more options. It is not just crate paper and balloons these days. Television, exposure to many other cultures, and the Marthas of the world have opened our eyes to giving parties in a variety of ways. So, I believe hosting parties is somewhat easier today because we can choose between a wide variety of themes and still be considered fashionable, or etiquette (ly) correct.

As for hosts, the best hosts are those who behave as if they want to spend time with every guest in attendance. They plan well. They provide adequate food and beverages, remember guest’s preferences, and create a welcoming atmosphere. The worst hosts are those who expect the guest to provide their own sustenance, expect a gift, and do not spend time with each guest.

Most sincerely,

The Polite One

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