With the holidays just around the corner, brush up on your holiday party etiquette with tips from lifestyle guru Martha Stewart.
The 80-year-old participated in a segment called "Martha May I?" during an appearance on "What What Happens Live" and divulged her key do's and don'ts that you'll want to apply to all your festivities this season.
DO'S
Do Bring a Gift
Stewart suggested not showing up empty-handed even if a host says not to bring a gift. When host Andy Cohen asked if it is ever acceptable to show up without a gift, she explained: "Absolutely not, you must take a gift."
Do Have a Failsafe Idea on Hand
Let's face it -- buying gifts is difficult. If you're planning on bringing a gift for the host (see the point above), Stewart suggests having a go-to gift. In her case, that's "one dozen eggs gathered from her own chicken coop."
Do End the Party When You Want
Hosting and entertaining guests is fun, but it can be a lot of work. If you have guests who overstay their welcome, Stewart suggested letting them know gently. Her go-to move: "'I'm going to bed now, so I'll see you at the next party.'"
DON'TS
Getty ImagesDon't Regift
Stewart told Cohen that regifting is never ever okay. When Cohen asked why, she bluntly told him that "you always get caught."
Don't Arrive Early
Stewart warned against arriving early or on-time to an event. "A little past call time is always nice for the hostess or host because they're never quite ready," she explained. However, she warned that if someone is extremely late, you don't have to wait for them. "Actually, push their plates to the end of the table," she joked.
Don't change the seating chart
If you don't like where you have been seated, Stewart basically said you have to suck it up. When Cohen asked if guests can make changes to the seating chart, she noted: "No, you're not allowed to." She even offered up a personal story as a warning: "On Thanksgiving, my daughter moved all of the place cards without my knowledge…and that didn't go over so well."
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