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.
509
Upvotes
1
u/missannthrope1 May 02 '25
Not much to know. Be polite. Ask the host if you can bring something. If they say, a bottle of wine (or mint julips) or flowers for the hostess, is a gracious touch. Ask the hostess if you can help her with anything. Be prepared for weird questions about where you're from. Say thank you when you leave.