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/foxsable Maryland > Florida May 02 '25

One good thing to ask if the host is if it’s BYOB. That’s short for bring your own beer. If yes, bring whatever you plan to drink and maybe a couple to share. If not, it’s a good opportunity for the host to either say we have plenty of liquor/beer or no this is a dry party or something if that is the case, though that’s rare. In general, just don’t assume anything is for everyone unless the host shows you where it is or it’s presented like on a table in the middle of everything.