On Food, Dressing Up and Courtesy: How To Survive Your First American Costume Party

I believe many would agree with me that attending your first American Costume Party is a recipe for disaster. Or something like a disaster waiting to happen. That usually happens if not handled well. Once you receive the invitation, the planning begins on what to bring, what to wear, and how to properly behave. Although petty it my seem, a small mishap goes a long way on your guilt trip. So, a little help would be welcome especially from those who actually survived this.

Actually, I did not survive this. I went home hungry with a bruised ego. I was waiting for someone to give me food or usher me into the dining room. Nobody did. I was immovable on the couch the whole time I was in that party. Every conversation I started did not end very well. Why do I want to share this? Because I care for you.

I was already a professional when I was invited to house warming party doubled as a costume party. Like what I mentioned in my story "Grilled Corn as an Introduction", coming from the pineapple fields to the opulent communities of California was too much of a social environment stretch. Like the one I mentioned in my story "A Goth Wedding, A Victorian Mansion and My Demise", this was another one of my mishap.

Instead of telling you another of my mishap, I will just tell you what I learned from it. This is for those people who came from a different set of culture and is about to experience their first American Costume Party yet.

1. Do dress up.

2. Do not outshine the host.

3. Do know about your character / costume

4. Do not change at your host's house

1. Bring a gift or food to the host (whichever is appropriate).

2. When you bring food, make sure you know about the recipe and menu.

3. Introduce yourself to the host

1. Meet and mingle with people.

2. Join or start a conversation.

3. Participate in the activities or fun games

1. If formal, wait to be served or ushered into the table. If informal, invite yourself to the table.

2. Take only what you can eat, not what you can take home.

Going home hungry with a bruised ego was my fault. I was engulfed with shyness the entire time. It could have fared better for me had I known before. But I had no way of knowing until I got there.

How about you? Did you have the same experience? What lesson did you learn from it? Please do not hesitate to send your suggestions or corrections.