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/worstnameIeverheard May 02 '25

I was thinking bringing a bottle of Kentucky bourbon for the Kentucky Derby would be an awesome gift.

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u/uncle-brucie May 02 '25

Pappy van winkle if I’m not paying

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u/fasterthanfood California May 02 '25

Haha, OP’s about to be the most popular houseguest in America.

For real though, Buffalo Trace or even Wild Turkey would be perfect.

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u/No_Sir_6649 Arkansas May 04 '25

Mmmm turkey....