The truth is always good or simply to advise that you had alternate plans for that evening. That won t be too much out of line.
Proper etiquette doesn t require much more than a simple Thank you for the invitation, however I will be unable to attend . However, in this situation where it is both a business and a social invitation, you might reconsider your attendance. If you were to be honest with them and tell them it is too far to travel, you are telling them that they are not important enough to warrant that time. If you were to be honest and tell them that you do not drink, that would seem like a very weak excuse to not attend the function. Lying is never a great option, so why not consider attending...I doubt anyone will even notice if you have a soda in your hand all night.
Gosh, you must have a hard time making it through the day if you don t know how to decline this offer. How about I appreciate your invitation but I already have plans for that evening. I m sure it was a courtesy invitation. They don t really care that you won t be going.To let them know you appreciate their business, you can take them out to lunch or get them a nice holiday present.
My first and preferred method in this case would be to simply tell them the truth...that you don t drink and that while you greatly appreciate their business, the distance is too far from home for you to travel.In lieu of the truth...you could always tell them that you have a conflicting event on the same date and decline politely. In general, I believe the truth is always the best policy. It s those little white lies that always catch up with you. Good Luck whatever you do!The Coach
Just send a note stating that due to a prior engagement you will not be able to attend the Christmas party. Wish them a Merry Christmas and state that you value them as a great client, and hope you can continue to do business with them in the new year.
Who says you have to drink their drinks? You can go and just politely inform them that you are a nondrinker - many people are.
you can send them a thank you card and just let them know you had a prior engagement and are unable to attend their party
Tell them you are a recovering alcoholic
