Just in time for election season; here are a  few fun political entertaining tips from celebrity pundit couple James Carville and Mary Matalin. As part of the Maker’s Mark Cocktail Party campaign, this couple has been poking fun at partisan rancor working up to the elections by encouraging civility at your own cocktail party!

Below are a few tips from Carville and Matalin on how to keep political discussion fun and respectful at your readers’ cocktail parties this fall.

In election season entertaining, political discussions are potential fights in a mixed political crowd. Luckily, these things can be handled in a way to make it fun. Just ask political pundit couple, Mary Matalin and James Carville, who are famous for their vocal advocacy on opposite sides of the partisan divide.

The duo have teamed up with Maker’s Mark Whisky for a humorous “Cocktail Party” campaign about putting partisan differences aside for the sake of good old Kentucky bourbon. You can see a video example of this campaign through this link.

Mary Matalin: Agree to disagree. Let’s face it, when it comes to talking politics, you’re not always going to agree with what you’re going to hear especially if it’s coming from over there (in reference to Carville).To avoid heated arguments, wait until those with opposing beliefs are finished with what they have to say and kindly respond “well, that’s a perspective”…… then resist the temptation to rip their face off..rule number one in cocktail parties: never make anyone uncomfortable in your home (even morons).

James Carville: Don’t try to change your guest’s opinions. I’ve tried with my wife the first years we were together and went to hell with that. Instead, try to understand their opinions without necessarily agreeing and find a common ground that you both can connect on.

Mary Matalin: As strategists, you have to always keep your eye on all aspects of your objective…for a successful party, make sure your hor d’oeuvres and nibbles include some that are bite size and can be enjoyed without flatware or plates; no one wants to be trapped with a blowhard on an empty stomach!

James Carville: Overall, let loose and enjoy yourself! At the end of a day, it’s a cocktail party! No one wants angry partisanship to ruin conversation; try witty or charming partisanship instead.

Mary Matalin: Agreed.