After the party a telephone call or a personal comment expressing appreciation for an invitation is appropriate. You may have an alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktail. If you do not drink alcohol, it is perfectly appropriate for you to ask the host or hostess which drink contains no alcohol. Some dinners are served buffet-style, where the food is put on one table and the guests serve themselves and eat while standing, bur most formal dinners are served in the host's dining room. Informal Occasions Invitations to less formal gatherings, such as student parties and other impromptu gatherings, will come informally, by telephone or in person.
Guests can arrive or leave at any time, and dress however they wish.
Potlucks are considered convenient, because they reduce the burden on any one individual for making all arrangements and preparing all food. Sometimes the music is so loud that conversation becomes nearly impossible. Generally, the younger the group, the louder the music and the higher the consumption of alcohol. In this society it is acceptable to decline an invitation by giving a vague excuse or avoiding commitment. If you do not want to accept an invitation, make an appointment, or have a date with a particular person, you should decline the initial invitation or request.