The 4th of July is this weekend and I couldn’t be more excited about it! I love the patriotism and sparkle that accompanies this particular holiday, so you’ll never catch me sitting home letting this holiday pass me by. This year, I’m not hosting in my home, but heading to friends parties, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to discuss what makes someone an ideal guest at a party!

• Don’t show up empty-handed. It doesn’t matter how casual the party or BBQ may be, or even if the host told you not to worry about bringing anything. I don’t care. Bring something. Your famous red, white and blue pie, your secret family recipe potato salad, or even a bottle of wine will do.

• Watch your alcohol consumption! I know, I know, this particular party tends to be a long one, with BBQ’ing all day and waiting for fireworks to go off at night. Even the best of us can find ourselves losing count if we’re not too cautious. If you find yourself moving to the dark side, wondering how good the lampshade would look as a hat on your head, ditch the sangria and down some water. The last thing you want is to hear the horror stories about how drunk you were for years to come.

• Hand in hand with the point up above is not overstaying your welcome! The number 1 way to piss off your gracious hosts is to make them stay up past their bedtime to entertain you. Look around, if it’s just you left standing there sobbing in your Rosé and Mr and Mrs Hostess have toothpicks holding up their eyelids, it’s time to hightail it the hell outta there. After you thank them profusely for being so wonderful, of course.

• Socialize! I can’t stress this one enough and let me tell you why. The hosts want everyone to feel comfortable. They notice what all of their guests are doing and if they notice you holding up one of their walls, eyes glued to your phone, they will feel responsible for you and take on the role of adult babysitter, making you feel more at home. But hello! They already have so much to do, so take this burden off of them and loosen up and chat with someone. Grab a drink (but not too many, please refer to #2 up above), make eye contact and enjoy yourself.

• This last one is so important: Behave as you would hope others should behave in your own home. Don’t let your children run amok. Don’t let food and drink spill onto the floor. Offer to help where you can. The list can go on and on. Too many times, people forget they’re in someone else’s HOME and behave as if there are no rules that apply to them or their family. No, just NO!

If you can mark all of these off your list, you’re sure to shine as bright as the fireworks at your 4th of July party and get that invite year after year! Be sure to tweet me pics of you and your party and have a fabulous 4th with your loved ones!

Happy 4th of July!