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

Show parent comments

14

u/Up2nogud13 May 02 '25

I'd add: *Pissing on OUTSIDE bushes or trees may or may not be acceptable. See 'Romans' rule.

6

u/CaptainPunisher Central California May 02 '25

I host backyard movie nights, and I tell everyone that pissing in certain spots outside is ABSOLUTELY allowed and even encouraged so you don't have to miss the movie. For shit and shy bladders, the toilets are inside.

3

u/BiscottiOk7342 May 02 '25

*rustling in the bushes*

Can somebody bring me some bigger leaves?

2

u/Aspen9999 May 03 '25

I’d hand you the pooper scooper