The holiday season often means our social calendars are jam-packed with family gatherings, festive events, and fun traditions.

As a result, hosts tend to wonder if their invites will actually result in a full house.

“It’s important to show up for people, especially during the holidays,” says Cassie LaMere, founder of Cassie LaMere Events in Austin, Texas. “If you’re invited, making the effort to attend can mean a lot.”

But, if your schedule is full of overlapping invites, how do you navigate party hopping without causing offense?

Here’s your guide to balancing multiple invites while keeping it polite and fun.

Make a Plan

To successfully hit multiple parties in one night, planning ahead is key. Etiquette coach Heidi Dulebohn from Johnson City, Tennessee, suggests mapping out your events in advance, factoring in both time and location.

Also, consider the guest list when planning your route. Family-friendly gatherings typically wind down earlier, while parties with your more nocturnal friends tend to start late and go on well into the night.

LaMere recommends hitting family-friendly events first and ending your evening at the livelier gatherings.

Dinner parties require extra consideration. If you’ve RSVP’d yes, it’s important to either stay for the full meal or let the host know you’ll only be there for a pre-dinner drink. “Make sure the host isn’t left wondering where you’ve gone,” she explains.

Set Clear Expectations

Transparency is vital when party hopping. Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, founder of Trunk Curated in Dallas, Texas, always tells her hosts when she plans to arrive and how long she’ll stay due to prior commitments.

You should also discuss your departure plans with your plus-one. LaMere notes that it’s easier to leave an event with a clear plan and a signal or code word to make a smooth exit. Just be sure to thank the host and say goodbye before leaving.

Gift in Advance

While hosts appreciate small tokens of gratitude, lugging around gifts all night isn’t always convenient. LaMere suggests sending gifts ahead of time to make a lasting impression.

Don’t Back Out Last-Minute

If you’ve already committed to one event, it’s important to commitment. “If you get a last-minute invite to a more exciting party, stick with your original plan,” Schlegel Whitman advises.

Changing plans can hurt your first host, who based their event on your RSVP. If you can’t attend later, let them know you’d still love to stop by if time allows.

Dress Up, Not Down

With different events on the horizon, it can be tricky to know what to wear. LaMere suggests leaning toward overdressing. “Holiday parties are the perfect occasion to bring your best style,” she says.

Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, attending multiple events just isn’t realistic. In that case, it’s better to decline an invite upfront. “It’s unfair to the host if you RSVP and then don’t show up,” says Schlegel Whitman.

If you truly can’t make it, let them know you’d still love to swing by if time permits—offer them a holiday hug or a quick hello instead.

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Video by Myka Meier