Party etiquette for thoughtful hosts

Good party etiquette comes down to three things: keep guests safe, make everyone feel welcome, and say thank you. That means hosting alcohol responsibly, keeping kids on the slushie side, giving neighbors a heads-up, and following up after the party.

Host responsibly

When you serve alcohol, you set the tone.

• Serve food and water right next to the drink station.
• Offer a great alcohol-free choice. Every mix is alcohol-free until you add alcohol, so one bowl can be a slushie that everyone enjoys.
• Plan rides home before the party. TxDOT's Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign urges everyone to never drive after drinking any amount of alcohol and to find a sober ride. Offer your couch or guest room, too.
• Know the law on minors. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's social hosting guide says it's illegal for an adult to provide alcohol to anyone younger than 21, or to let minors drink on the adult's property, if the adult isn't that minor's parent or guardian. It also warns that house rules or permission from other parents don't protect you.

Texas law and TABC rules apply. This is not legal advice.

For a full checklist, see our party safety guide.

Kids and alcohol at one party

Family parties often have toddlers, teens, and grownups in the same backyard. A two-bowl machine handles that well if you plan ahead.

• Label every bowl. Big, clear signs: "Margarita (adults)" and "Kids slushie."
• Put an adult at the margarita side. A grownup who pours or keeps an eye on the bowl stops mix-ups.
• Face the slushie side toward the kids. Set the machine so kids line up at their bowl.
• Use different cups. Pick one cup color for adults and another for kids.
• Go all-slushie for kids parties. For a kids birthday, run both bowls as slushies and serve adult drinks somewhere else.

Invitation wording

A clear invitation answers questions before guests ask. Include:

• Date, start time, and end time
• Address, parking tips, and where to enter
• Theme or dress code
• Whether kids are welcome
• RSVP date and how to reply
• A note if adult drinks will be served

Our guide to party invitation wording has sample lines for every kind of party.

Give the neighbors a heads-up

A short note goes a long way.

• Send a note or text a few days ahead with the date and end time.
• Share a way to reach you if the music gets too loud.
• Ask guests to park so they don't block driveways or mailboxes.
• Invite the neighbors if it fits the party.
• Turn the music down at the end time you promised.

Tipping crews

Many parties have helpers: caterers, bartenders, delivery and setup crews, and entertainers. Tipping is always optional and up to you.

Some hosts like to tip crews who haul heavy gear, set up early, or work in the heat. Others say thanks with cold water, a snack, or a kind online review. Any of these shows appreciation. Follow your own budget and comfort.

Thank-you notes

Thank-you notes close the party on a warm note.

• Who: guests who brought gifts, anyone who helped set up or clean, and hosts who shared a space.
• When: within a week or two.
• How: a short handwritten note or a personal text.
• What to say: name the gift or the help, mention a moment you enjoyed, and look ahead ("Can't wait to see you at the next one").

Example: "Thanks so much for helping with the lights on Saturday. The backyard looked amazing, and I loved watching the kids dance by the slushie machine. Next round of Strawberry margaritas is on me."

Make hosting easy on yourself

We deliver, set up 2 to 3 hours before the party, show you how the machine works, then come back to pick up and clean, so you can spend the party with your guests.

Ready to plan? Check dates and book online in minutes, or get a quick estimate first.