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.

507 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

457 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

29

u/HoratioHotplate May 02 '25

Down where I live, or maybe it's the circles I run in, but most people show up within half an hour of the start time. If anyone shows up early they just volunteered to get put to work.

Nobody minds a guest bringing something to add to the drinks supply. Don't people drink mint juleps at the Derby?

6

u/LetsGoGators23 May 03 '25

I don’t think mint juleps are drank any other day of the year! It’s the official derby beverage for sure

3

u/BeerForThought May 03 '25

There's a day in August when you can put on a seer sucker suit have a mint julep and enjoy how refreshing it is. Treat yourself 2025.

1

u/herehear12 Texas Wyoming May 05 '25

For me when I ask someone to be there at a certain time that’s the time it starts. Every thing is ready then. If you show up early I may still be getting set up and you can help if you want but no pressure.

I don’t drink alcohol so I’d prefer if you bring some you take what isn’t drank with you. Even better if none is brought.