Like it or not that time of year is nearly upon us. It’s no good burying your head in the sand, it won’t go away. With a little pre-planning you really don’t have to be this year’s Christmas Party casualty and with a little more effort you could even shine.
DO find out if the party has a dress code or theme
DON’T presume your usual smart/casual style will do and if it’s a fancy dress party make every effort to join in or you’ll look like a killjoy – and very out of place.
DO eat something suitable beforehand
DON’T drink alcohol on an empty stomach or one full of Vindaloo and a large portion of chips.
DO circulate. It’s time to socialise. Think ‘butterfly’ not ‘wallflower’
DON’T latch on to anyone or allow yourself to be cornered (especially near mistletoe or the photocopier).
DO drink water or soft drinks between alcoholic ones, especially if you have to work the next day. Well, you can’t really pull a sicky, can you?
DON’T drink everything in sight in the hope to calm your nerves. You’ll be far more nervous in the morning when you get that sinking feeling in your stomach that you did something bad with the photocopier but can’t quite remember what it was.
DO keep conversation light - even upbeat. Ask about families, children, holidays and hobbies and try to be selective about what personal information you give away or it will be sure to come back to haunt you in the New Year
DON’T discuss work, politics, money, sex and sickness. Avoid office gossip and don’t spread any rumours or tell inappropriate tales (especially about what went on with the photocopier last year).
DO flirt a little, if that’s your style. There’s nothing like a little playful coquetry to oil the wheels of social intercourse – within the bounds of social etiquette, of course. But waiting near the mistletoe ready to interface passionately with some unsuspecting colleague is NOTHING like a little playful coquetry. Best to steer well clear of the mistletoe.
