To be the life of the cocktail party, one must know the rules of the cocktail party. A cocktail party may sound like a superfluous idea, but they’re actually useful when it comes to two things; networking and dating. Future soulmate, business partner, best friend — you never know who you could meet at a cocktail party, so it’s best to understand the do’s and don’ts.

DO
- RSVP by the time specified. For a host, nothing is more annoying than having to over accommodate or be unprepared for unannounced guests.
- Dress to impress in the classiest way possible. Cocktail parties can be semi-formal or formal. As a rule, it’s always better to over-dress than under-dress. Over-dressing communicates the idea that you’re prepared and put together, whereas under-dressing communicates the opposite. An LBD (little black dress), comfortable heels, pearls and a cocktail ring never fails. Also, dress to allow a lot of movement since it’s never certain you’ll be sitting or standing the whole time.
- Have the right items on you. And by “right” items, I mean business cards. Like I said, you never know who you’re going to meet.
- Master the art of small talk! Mingle! Cocktail parties are for socializing. There’s no point in you being there if you’re not socializing.
- Thank the host. It’s the right thing to do.

Don’t
- Arrive too late. Fashionably late, fine. Close to the end — kind of bad.
- Talk about religion, politics or anything controversial. Light-hearted conversation is the only form of acceptable conversation at cocktail parties and for people you’re meeting for the first time.
- Eat food without a napkin in your hand. Food served on a platter must be eaten whole on the spot.
- Drink from a bottle or a can. That’s what bars are for.
- Get plastered. If you do, you’re likely to commit each “don’t” mentioned above.

Have any cocktail party do’s and don’ts not mentioned here? Let’s hear it below!