Small talk Invitation to a party
Making compliments: important, light, personal, easy.
Compliments are very important! But don't pile them on, choose something light, personal, and easy.
Responding to compliments: play them down, negate, understatement
Responding to compliments, the British tend to play them down or negate them – it is a type of understatement that is very common.
Being a good guest and a good host.
Guest: not empty-handed, don’t show off with a present, no fuss!
As a guest, it is nice not to come empty-handed to an invitation, but don't show off if you bring a present. That might embarrass your host, and that's a no-go. And with food & drinks: try not to make a fuss and consider the hosts' recommendations …
Host: create a warm atmosphere, look after your guests, offer something to drink, show around, make them feel welcome
As a good host you create a warm atmosphere, look after your guests, offer them something to drink, show them around, make them feel welcome.