subject: The Office Christmas Party - 10 Top Tips for its Survival [print this page] The Office Christmas Party - 10 Top Tips for its Survival
Having worked tirelessly all year, it is time to let off steam and live it up at the office Christmas party. Although it is the season to be jolly, a few of us ordinarily rational souls are apt to go just a bit too far by downing vast amounts of alcohol, flirting outrageously with the management and frolicking with gay abandon onoffice desk tops or on pub tables. This felicitous event can sometimes be a bit of a social minefield, but with a little restraint, it is possible to have a fantastic evening whilst keeping your dignity intact.The worst thing you may have to suffer is a hangover.
Here are 10 Top Tips for Enjoying The Christmas Party Without Remorse
Take Care When Dressing -be aware of the dress code for the evening's festivities. For the ladies, make sure hemlines are not too short, nor necklines too exposing. For the men, check that 'smart casual' includes jeans and trainers.
Make a timely Arrival -It's no fun being the first or last person to arrive.Try to arrange a meeting time with one or several colleagues, that way you will all arrive together. There is no 'fashionably late' when it comes to the office dinner dance.
There may not be a free bar so take cash. Not all businesses supply funding for the whole evening's entertainment. There might only be a glass of wine with your dinner.
Drink aware Of course it's tempting, but try to abstain from mixing your drinks. That old adage never mix grape and grain' speaks the truth, so either drink just wine or spirits or only beer. Being kind to yourself by having soft drinks as well, and most importantly water throughout the evening will help reduce the alcoholic effects.
Be careful what you say Too much alcohol = a loose tongue and you might let a work colleague know exactly what you think of them! Try to stay in control. Christmas is the season of goodwill not the time for the unvarnished truth. Use the occasion to get to know your colleagues better (but nottoowell.)
Be wary of romanceYou are obliged to work with your colleagues all year, and although it believed that over a third of couples meet during working hours, the Christmas party is not the place to make a move on someone you have secretly admired. Consider how embarrassing it will be when back at youroffice desk with them the next working day.
Networking is good -but holding senior managers captive is most definitely unacceptable.
Don't talk business all evening -you could risk being labelled as the office bore. Be charming and alluring and get to know your colleagues more intimately, whilst remembering to listen and appear interested.
Have your transport home organised this way, you'll not leave the party with someone you don't know very well or find yourself in a difficult situation. A clever little strategy that can make all the difference at the end of the night.
Above all, have a ball -enjoy the party and let down your hair. Following these tips will make sure that your dignity remains intact!
