Squint and you’ll spot it: party season is officially on the horizon. The busiest time of the year is undoubtedly the most fun, with countless soirees to attend and endless outfits to swish around in. However, the social swing of December can, on occasion, become something of a chore. But take note: just as hosting a blow-out bash is a tricky business, there’s also an art to attending one. Here, the world’s most seasoned party givers and goers garnish us with their infallible tips for always being the most sparkling guest at every event you attend.

“It’s always better to err on the side of formality, especially when you’re over 35,” says New York’s party goer-in-chief Mr Zachary Weiss, who favours Ralph Lauren Purple Label and Thom Sweeney. “It’s a losing game to try to be the cool, young, hip guest, so I usually try to be the one that’s slightly more buttoned up than the rest of my fellow partygoers.”

“You really need to pick your party appropriately – if you’re invited to five, choose two that you really want to go to,” says Ms Fran Cutler, the queen of brands, director of business and liaison to the stars. Weiss agrees: “If you’re committed to attending a party, try to make it one of your only stops for the night, so you can settle in and enjoy the company. Flitting in and out is a fool’s errand.”

“Always eat before you go to a party – even if you know that they’re serving food,” says writer and creative consultant Mr Michael Hennegan. “The alcohol offering will likely outweigh any solids on offer, so a pre-match meal will help line your stomach.”

“I like to throw in some irreverent touches so that I don’t look stuffy,” Weiss says. “This can be achieved with pops of colour or pattern, or, my favourite, a cheeky tie.” But take note: foppish accessories work best when they’re styled to look elegant rather than cartoonish. Try a classic four-in-hand nipped tight at the collar with a silk shirt and wide lapelled jacket, or a bow tie with a classic dress shirt and velvet blazer.

“Don’t wear a Christmas jumper – it’s just not OK,” says ballet dancer Mr Eric Underwood. “Rollnecks are your friend. They look great with or without a jacket and they’re simple yet chic.”

Party season has the potential to give rise to certain social anxieties that lie dormant at other times of the year. “Try not to create a virtual reality movie in your head of how the night will be, based on your anxieties,” says psychologist Ms Nadia Al-Khudhairy. “Just because you think someone doesn’t like you or you think they think that you’re boring them, does not make it true.”

If your daytime scent is your quotidian workhorse, your night-time spritz should transform you into your most glamorous self. “Opt for fragrances that have flair, and those made with high-grade ingredients that smell expensive,” says perfumer Ms Azzi Glasser. “These will give you a feeling of confidence and that luxurious finishing touch.”

“I always recommend applying fragrance at the base of the neck as it’s a hot spot, as well as the wrists and chest,” Glasser says. “Spraying your scent in your hair adds staying power. Carry your fragrance to top it up. It’s also worth buying the same scent in products such as oils and lotions to enhance the overall appeal.”

“If you’ve made the choice to go out, make sure you have it within you to be a relentless ray of positivity,” Weiss says. “But if you’ve had a bad day and feel like you can’t shake it off, then simply skip the party (although this doesn’t apply to The Met Gala). After a decade of hitting the town, I’ve learnt that there’s always another party down the line.”

“Consider having one standout outfit – or garment – in your arsenal,” says Mr Jack Guinness, author of The Queer Bible and brand director of Gay Star News. “But there’s also absolutely no shame in donning a timeless, understated look and jazzing it up with accessories.”

“The best wingman (or woman) is a social chameleon who isn’t fazed by anything,” Hennegan says. “Take them anywhere, leave them anywhere – they’ll be fine. Neediness is a no-no.”

“If you’re at a party solo, try to speak to someone at the bar,” Hennegan says. “It’s somehow [less intimidating] to make small talk when you and the object of your social interest are focused on a shared task – in this case, ordering a drink.”

“Always wear fantastic shoes – even if they’re painful,” Underwood says. “My trick to making it through a lunch or dinner party unscathed is to slip your foot out of the shoes beneath the table, where no one can see them. You’ll already have been photographed, so there’s nothing lost by giving your feet a chance to breathe.”

“If you’re attending anything that celebrates another person, keep in mind that everything about your presence – your timing, your outfit and, above all, your behaviour – should reflect that this day isn’t about you in any way, shape or form,” Weiss says.

A wine snob is not the party goer you want to be in 2023. “If you’re attending a party as a guest, never be someone who comes with a preference of wine or spirits,” Weiss says. “A gracious guest should never look a gift horse in the mouth.”

“Ideally you want a cut a week or so before an event,” says celebrity stylist Mr Joe Mills of Woolf Kings Cross. “This gives you time to get used to the cut especially if it’s a departure from what you usually have. The haircut needs time to settle, and it also gives you the space to get used to styling it.”

“Having a face treatment ahead of a party is about building confidence and feeling good within your own skin,” says aesthetician-to-the-stars Mr Shane Cooper. “I’d advise having your treatment between a week and a day before your event.”

When it comes to getting your face in order for a party the night after the one before, Hennegan is clear on what needs to be done. “The oldest trick in the book is to rub an ice cube under the eyes and around the jaw and cheekbones, which will take down puffiness after a night out.”

“With men wearing more jewellery and statement watches to parties, all eyes are on hands,” says stylist Mr Gareth Scourfield. Pre-party, head to Margaret Dabbs for the supreme manicure with treatment mask to get your hands in going-out-gear. “And be sure to apply hand cream over an hour before heading out, so you give it time to absorb and avoid any clamminess,” Scourfield says.

“Watch out for the sugary drinks and mixers,” says doctor and author Dr Amit Patel. “These are the things that will make your hangover so much worse. And hydrate as you go – the ice in your brandy is your friend.”

“As a non-drinker, you’re always going to be sharper and more quick-witted than most of the other people in the room after two drinks,” says luxury PR Mr James Massey. “I always tell people that I’m not drinking if they ask, but I don’t volunteer it pro-actively as it makes me sound like some sort of anti-alcohol crusader.”

“December is a marathon, not a sprint,” Hennegan says. “You don’t have to go all-in at every event.” Mr Jack Guinness agrees: “I know it might sound very un-British, but maybe, just maybe, this year you could skip the grand spectacle of getting plastered and telling your boss what you really think of them.”

“Avoid those who suck the energy out of the room or bear grudges against other guests,” says Mr Malcolm Carfrae, the mastermind behind some of New York’s biggest parties. “You don’t want to find yourself at the centre of a squabble.”

“Don’t get stuck talking to your bestie or a person who doesn’t know anyone else,” Carfrae says. “Work the room and step in and out of conversations with witty remarks. It’s a great opportunity to meet some impressive people that you might want to get to know better.”

“Even if you’re a terrible dancer, don’t worry,” Underwood says. “Just own it and join in with confidence. The doubt you’ll convey at the party by dancing timidly, or not dancing at all, will be more noticeable than any bad dancing ever would – trust me.”

“Eveningwear once called for a sovereign-sized gold watch on a black alligator strap,” says journalist, author and editor-in-chief of The Blend, Mr Bill Prince. “Today, the only rule is that, if at all possible, your tuxedo-bound timepiece should flaunt a black dial. It adds the lustre and distinction a white or coloured dial will never quite achieve.”

Mr Brian Tracy, author of The Power Of Charm, writes: “You’ll discover you can communicate more deeply with a person in a few minutes by asking questions and listening closely to the answers than you could in several weeks by talking all the time.” Most partygoers enjoy nothing more than to talk about themselves, so providing them with an opportunity to do so will pay social dividends.

“I try at all costs to avoid the question: ‘What do you do?’” Weiss says. “It’s often a veiled way of saying “Why should you matter to me?” If you speak to anyone long enough, their profession will come up in some form or another. Instead, I try to focus on fun and frivolous things – outfit details, why you’re all there and light topical fare from the gossip pages.”

“Compliment people around you,” Massey says. “Don’t overdo it or it’ll seem weird. But if someone looks great, then tell them.”

During the party onslaught, a full eight hours can be the difference between glowing and crepey-skin. “And when you’re really dashing about, napping is king,” says top party host Mr Henry Conway. “Take naps in 20-minute cycles – I normally do 20 or 40 mins. It’s not an indulgence, it’s survival…”

“I usually reserve a note card or a floral delivery for a host who has pulled out all the stops for a gathering,” Weiss says. “I think sending a thank you gift for a casual evening can feel a little too superfluous and a tad contrived. If you see the person often enough, saying ‘thank you’ should come easily and often, and shouldn’t require any song and dance.”

“If you stick with black, no one will notice if you’re recycling your outfits,” Guinness says. “You just exude an air of effortless chic.”

“Don’t be afraid of bailing early – be a good guest for the time you’re there and then make a French exit,” Hennegan says. And when it comes to the timing of your departure, follow Hennegan’s golden rule: “Never arrive at a party less than half an hour after it began, and never leave less than half an hour before the end.”