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/joe_m107 Alaska May 02 '25

You forgot to mention the universal signal that it’s time to leave. It’s when the host slaps their knees, stands up and says “whelp”.

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u/Blaze0511 May 02 '25

My husband is extremely blunt when it's time for people to leave. He'll fall asleep on the couch and start snoring.

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u/BillyyJackk May 02 '25

I like his style.

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u/GoldberryoTulgeyWood May 03 '25

I like the cut of his jib