How To Survive the Office Holiday Party

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You can be the life of your company's end-of-the-year party while leaving the embarrassing next-day apologies to someone else.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Good timing
A filling pre-party meal
Appropriate attire
Professionalism
Social skills
Sobriety
An upbeat attitude
Water

Step 1: Go even if you don't want to

A holiday soiree is like a staff meeting—just with more booze. Although the invitation won't tell you this, it's a work function, so attendance is mandatory. Also, before you invite a friend along for the ride, talk to the organizers and confirm whether "plus ones" are permitted.

Tip: Arrive shortly after the party begins, and stay until other people begin to leave.

Step 2: Eat before you go

While the drinks are guaranteed, the food isn't. Eat enough before you go so you can have a drink without feeling tipsy, and so you won't need to raid the hors d'oeuvres.

Tip: It's tacky and unhygienic to double-dip.

Step 3: Dress appropriately

Check with the organizer to confirm the dress code, and wear a tasteful, appropriate outfit.

Step 4: Mingle

Mingle and introduce yourself. Now is the perfect time to network with those happily tipsy execs who don't quite know you yet.

Tip: Drink a glass of water in between each cocktail. If your significant other is there, keep the PDAs to a minimum.

Step 5: Be professional

Have fun, but be professional. The rules of the office still apply, so no gossiping, no over-sharing, no getting wasted, and no sexual contact with your co-workers.

Step 6: Keep it light

Keep the conversation positive and light. Try to avoid talking about the office, monopolizing the conversation, or correcting people.

Step 7: Drink with your left hand

If you've got a drink, hold it in your left hand. That way, your right hand will be clean and dry for handshakes.

Step 8: Beware of "merry Christmas"

We know you mean well, but be wary of wishing people a "merry Christmas." Since not everyone celebrates Santa's big day, you're less likely to offend folks if you wish them "happy holidays."

Step 9: Express appreciation

Before you hightail it out of there, make sure you sincerely thank the party organizers. It only takes a minute, and you'll come off like a class act.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• attending
• celebrations
• christmas
• etiquette
• functions
• holidays
• HotHowTos
• how
• howcast
• partying
• planning
• surviving
• to
• work

[artgrl101]

why didn't I see this a week ago?

[benmhess]

if anyone is offended by christmas they should gtfo of any party.

[brandonfan123]

i wish i saw this 3 days ago, i made a complete ass of my self haha

[kaiqinAKAme]

@dramagrl1996 its when you dip ur stuff in, take a bite and dip again

[nunoyobiznis]

@dramagrl1996 dipping a chip in a dip or something , taking a bite, then dipping again.

[andreikilla]

if they say they dont celebrate christmass tell them 2 get the fuck out and move to Africa. we must protect this countries traditions

[sketchyinc]

To Hell with attendence being mandatory. Especially if you are paid hourly which many employers in entry level professional jobs are doing, how could they fire you or discipline you for not wanting to do something that they are not paying you to do in the first place. Second, how does an office party have anything to do with the actual job description, otherwise trying to enforce some B.S. sense of team work and comrodary.

[dramagrl1996]

whats double dip?

[myownkangaroo]

my dad never gets invited to his work's christmas party because he's a nerd xD