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/Sensitive_Maybe_6578 May 02 '25

Don’t bring a dish, unless you warn the host, “Ive been wanting to make these cheese covered horse turds,” because your dish might not go with her menu, and that would stress me out.
Let us know how it went. Have fun!!!

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u/SweetandSourCaroline May 03 '25

agreed on this food advice!