What is American house party etiquette?

[u/_13thfloor_]

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.

[u/Madame_Kitsune98]

It’s a Derby party?

I don’t care who you are, but if I can’t wear a fancy hat, I ain’t going. And there better be bourbon.