Tips on Attending a Holiday Office Party

With the holiday season upon us, festivities abound everywhere. Your place of work is holding an office party to partake of the festivities. Everyone has heard horror stories about the lampshade, table dancing employees who keep the liquor companies in business. What are some tips to follow while also having fun during your office party?

Clothing

Do not wear anything provocative.

Follow the rule of moderation. Remember that no matter where your office party is held, you will be surrounded by people you see and work with on a regular basis.

Maintain a professional-looking appearance. Some office parties are held on the premises after, or during work. In this case, there is no problem with simply wearing your work clothes. However, some firms opt for a more formal occasion. When the more formal occasion is the option, it is recommended you wear something festive, yet not too revealing.

Do not wear extremely low-cut, cleavage-showing gowns (unless you work in the porno industry).

It is always good advice to follow the rule of how you would view someone else. For instance, if you saw your boss or coworker wearing an outfit that looks like it belongs in a Frederick's of Hollywood catalog...how would you view them? Would you respect them? Would you think they were tacky? Would you follow their advice?

Alcohol

If you must drink alcohol, stick to one or two small drinks.

Keep it at a socializing level.

Be able to carry on a conversation without slurring your words. This may sound common sense, but you may think your speech is perfect, while others can pick up quickly that it is not.

If you want to drink more, find some others (like your regular clique) who are having a party at their home afterwards. Usually, this small group hangs out at work anyways. Just be certain to take your excessive partying to a place outside of the work-related surroundings.

Alcohol usage, in and of itself, is the main concern about erratic behavior at office parties. Keep yours in check.
It is next to impossible to redeem yourself after you drunkenly hit upon your boss at the office party.

For those not drinking alcohol, fill up on juice or water on the rocks. There is no need to feel uncomfortable because you do not partake of alcohol.

Etiquette

Maintain a professional demeanor.

Be positive about meeting new people.

Mingle with others, introduce yourself to those you have not met.

Office parties are a great way for all levels of the firm to intermingle amongst themselves. If your office party planner did a good job, there will be no segregation between levels of operation. The management personnel will not be on one side of the room, while the lower level employees are on the other side of the room.

Dancing

Everyone loves dancing, usually. Here is another area you need to not be too extreme. Remember Elaine on Seinfeld? She became the laughing stock of her office since her dancing was so bizarre. Keep your dancing in check and you will be fine.

Holiday office parties are a way for companies to show their employees appreciation. Enjoy yours in moderation and you will do fine.