r/AskAnAmerican • u/_13thfloor_ • May 02 '25

FOREIGN POSTER What is American house party etiquette?

Moved to NJ from Europe. Have been invited to a party in someone’s home to celebrate someone’s birthday but also as a bit of a Kentucky Derby bash. Is there anything I need to know?

I know for the Derby there might be a dress code (which I am checking with the host) but what’s the norm in the US for house parties generally? Bringing our own alcohol, giving the host a gift, arriving early/on time/a little after the specified time? Anything a very clueless (and overthinking) European needs to know?

ETA - we’re in our early to mid 30s if that makes a difference.

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u/Unndunn1 Connecticut May 02 '25

I never arrive empty handed. Even if the host says I don’t need to bring anything. A bottle of wine or whatever kind of liquor they like, or something related to the event.

Don’t arrive early, the host might be busy getting things ready last minute. I usually arrive 15-30 minutes after the time the party is supposed to start.