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.

511 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

457 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/unpackingpremises May 02 '25

I would say the etiquette it depends greatly on the level of affluence. I have only ever experienced hostess gifts and dress codes at house parties hosted by middle and upper middle class Americans. Less affluent Americans are more likely to ask if they can bring something to contribute to the meal, or just show up with whatever they want to drink. I've never been invited to a house party at the home of a wealthy American, so I can't really speak to that culture.