How to Maintain Black Tie Party Etiquette

culled from:wikihow.com

Steps

1

Make sure you are dressed according to code. Sometimes it is considered rude and that you have a lack of etiquette when you don't match the dress code.

1. 
   2
   Use proper party conduct. For teenagers at a black tie prom, you might be able to be a little more loose than you would at a black tie dinner for a fundraiser. Either way, you'll want to be polite.
2. 
   3
   Make sure other people get the chance to eat before you do. Don't try to be the first one to the snack or drinks table; be polite and have the "others before me" attitude. When you do eat, use the basic etiquette: use a napkin to wipe your face, double-check your teeth for food when you're done, hold your utensils properly; etcetera. When cutting food, hold your fork in your eating hand, with the prongs facing down. Cut your food by inserting the knife in between two prongs of the fork, after putting the fork in a piece of food. Cut your food as you eat it, not all at once. When you finish cutting food, put your knife sideways on the rim of your plate.
3. 
   4
   Speak to many people and try to be approachable. Many people seem stiff, cold, and unapproachable; try not to be. Talk to people when they want to talk; say hello, thank you, please, good-bye, and such. Before leaving the event, thank the host.
4. 
   5
   Avoid ludicrous and rude things such as "passing gas" or burping. If you absolutely have to, excuse yourself and run to the bathroom, then go back. If you need to sneeze, turn your head off to the side and cover your mouth and nose with a napkin or hankie. Then say "excuse me" and "thank you" for the "bless you". If you need to cough, do the same.
5. 
   6
   Talk about appropriate matters. Avoid talking about personal life with strangers; instead, talk about the event or compliment their outfit or hairstyle. Don't hug if it is a formal event; shake hands instead.
6. 
   7
   Be conversational. Ask about someone else's life (just the basic questions--don't get too personal), instead of constantly talking about yours. Kind of like playing Hot Potato--ask them a question, they will answer it, they ask you a question, you answer it, you ask them, so on and so forth.
7. 
   8
   Make new friends! Who knows, maybe the woman across the room is in your sewing club, or the guy at the salad bar likes the same music you do. Have fun, but be polite.