*******Giveaway Over! Congrats Chrissy and Patty! I'll e-mail you soon. Thank you to everyone who entered!****************

Have we got a treat for you! We're giving away two copies of Get Invited, Don't Crash It. It's the ultimate guide for figuring out how to snag invites to every kind of party under the sun and how to get invited back. It's pretty handy! If you want to enter to win a signed copy, just comment below with you tops etiquette tip for parties. Winners will be selected at random at 5pm.

Here are tips for Thei Zervaki, the author of Get Invited, Don't Crash it, on how to eat healthy at a party. Take it away, Thei!

Cocktails, receptions, and anniversary parties sound nice but they all involve passing hors-d’oeuvres, canapés and often, all-you-can-eat buffets. And if you add the open bar and the amazing Veuve Cliquot flutes,  don’t be surprised that the following day your waistline will look slightly larger. Here is a list of tips to eat smart when you are invited. Remember that party planners and caterers are prepared for the gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian guests, so you will have plenty of choice depending on your diet preferences or your choices for the evening. 

1. Stick to lean proteins throughout the evening. Sushi, tuna tartar, shrimp, ceviche and sashimi are probably your best choice.
2. Veggies and healthy fats is the second choice but always keep it in small portions. What about a few olives and a handful of nuts?
3. Ditch the dips. Have your veggies plain.
4. If you still wish to eat that filet mignon but it’s served on a very oily cracker, toss the cracker.
5. I would personally stay away from breads, crackers and cheese sticks. They have no nutrients and are usually full of salt and fats.
6. Avoid the cheese platter or the creamy, buttery snacks. Dairy products taste very nice indeed but come with 80% fat. If you really want to try the new yellow cheese you see, get one slice, not three.
7. When the waiter approaches with a mouthwatering selection of canapés, pick only one. Sounds tough? There will be more coming…
8. Keep moving the entire evening. Don’t station yourself in front of the buffet or next to the kitchen door for hours as if it’s your job (believe me, I saw many people doing that). You are not invited for this.
9. Engage in conversation with other guests. When you are talking to someone, it’s rather un-attractive to chow down food. Receptions and cocktails are ideal places to meet new people, chat about politics or the world economy (rather depressing but a fact of life), and “headhunt” for new trends on interior design, decoration and fashion. Make the most of your evening; don’t just spend it looking for another bowl of macaroni and cheese.
10. When desserts are served, go for the fruit and chocolate. Trendy cupcakes, muffins and brownies are to be avoided.
11. And if you feel that you haven’t eaten enough, have another glass of champagne. It makes you feel like million dollars!

Bottom line: Parties are for people to have fun. And party food is not supposed to be healthy. Moderation is the key.  A few canapés, small portions of everything and you will be fine.

Now, get to entering! Comment with your top etiquette tip for entertaining to enter to win a signed copy of this tip-filled book!