Top 10 Tips for the Office Christmas Party

Sound advice on making a lasting impression at the office Christmas party

10 Ensure you know where the party is, when to arrive and how to get there.  Professionalism is not panicking where on earth the party is on the night.

9 Dress appropriately.  If your company have chosen a fancy dress theme then it’s essential to make an effort, regardless of how daft you may look.  Getting involved and supporting what the company does will get you noticed for all the right reasons, even if you are dressed up as Elvis.  A black tie evening calls for sophistication, so hire a dinner suit and buff those brogues.

8 Only drink from civilised glasses during the reception; this is not a time for a pint of ale with a handle on it.

7 Never complain about the food.  Dry turkey is an office party tradition and you will appear terribly ungrateful.  Grab some take-away stodge on the way home.

6 Avoid talking shop.  Try and find some common ground to chat to people on all levels; this wins you respect and makes you look interesting.  Religion and politics can’t fail to upset someone, perhaps even your boss.

5 Be punctual and try to not be the last to arrive.

4 Don’t lavish praise on the boss, criticise your colleagues or fish for compliments from management.  This inevitably falls into talking shop, and even the most understanding of managers mark this down as someone unable to communicate effectively.  If you really can’t hold it in, leave the party.

3 Steer clear of arguments and gossip.  A colourful debate is one thing, but personal remarks can creep in and turn a discussion into an argument.  Walk away and find a pleasant conversation to join in.

2 Keep tabs on how much you’re drinking.  Getting drunk and loud is not becoming.

1 Stay away from the mistletoe!  You will most likely pucker up with just about the ugliest person in the office, if not the one that has had a severe crush on you since you started working there; now you have just picked up a stalker that happens to work opposite you.