Everyone is excited because of the coming holidays. It is a season of giving and sharing and getting invited to parties. Giving gifts and sharing foods with your relatives and friends are but natural. But do you realize that you got to earn a good reputation as a party guest before you could expect the flood of invitations to your mailbox and inbox?

Here are some suggestions on how to behave nice and good as a guest:

1. Always bring a token gift for the party host. You can bring a bottle of cheap wine, or a box of mint candies or chocolates. You can also be as extravagant as you like and bring a whole roasted turkey or a large cake.

2. Do not bring an extra baggage when not indicated in the invitation. Your friends know that you’re a couple but there must be a reason why your mate should not be invited. And that goes for the kids, too.

3. Drink moderately. You know your alcohol limit so you must be the one controlling the shots. Otherwise, your host will be obliged to get you a taxi and pay for your fare home.

4. Eat moderately. Chew your food slowly so that you’ll avoid gobbling down plate after plate of party foods. Have your dinner at home before going to the party, especially if it was a cocktail one.

5. Take a bath in soap and water–not in heavy perfume. Some of the guests may be sensitive to strong scents. Just a few dabs of light-smelling perfume here and there should make you feel fresh all night. You can go heavy with gargling on minty mouthwash instead.

6. Never act as a wet blanket. When you’re not feeling well or just not in the mood to party, call your host and apologize for not being present. If you forced yourself to attend, you might rub off bad mood to other guests and ruin their evening, too.

7. Enjoy the party. Put your celfone in silent mode and talk with your fellow guests with enthusiasm. Circulate around to meet old friends and make new friends. Talking or texting on your phone while in front of other guests is rude.

8. Get interested to be interesting. People like to listen to other people’s story and they love to talk about themselves, too. If you asked questions about the other guests and show interest on listening, they would love to ask questions about you, too. However, avoid prolonged discussions on hot topics like politics, religion, health, and economy.