Twa’s The Night Of the Company Holiday Party…

Your company’s holiday party is just around the corner and you can’t wait to eat, drink and be merry with your colleagues. If you handle it the right way, your annual holiday gathering can be a great time to mingle with people in your company that you have been wanting to get to know better.

Overindulging on the holiday jingle juice and trying to kiss a colleague under the mistletoe are obvious disasters to avoid, but there are other important details that can affect your professional image.
To ensure you keep your shining reputation intact, follow these tips:

Leave the Glitter for the Christmas tree

It is fun to get a little creative and dress festive, just don’t wear anything that would make Mrs. Claus blush. You want to be noticed for your glittering conversation, not your lack of good taste.

Have a Reindeer Treat Before You Go

While the holiday party will more than likely offer enough food and drinks to fill Santa’s bag, have a small snack before you go to the party. You don’t want to appear ravenous and spend too much time in the buffet line. Carry a small plate and only go back once for dessert.

Spread the Holiday Cheer

Greet your host when you arrive and then proceed to mingle with the other guests. Make a point of getting to know people you don’t see on a regular basis. You might leave the party with some great new friendships!

Don’t Overdo It on the Jingle Juice

You need to be quick on your feet at any office event to make a positive impression. Limit yourself to one or two drinks, no matter how tempting that candy cane spritzer looks!

Leave Before They Turn the Christmas Lights Off – and Remember to Say Thank You

Slipping out the back door is a bad idea. Customary good-byes are not only polite, they are necessary. Keep in mind that you also don’t want to be the first to arrive or the last to leave the party. Make sure to thank those who coordinated the party, they obviously put a lot of effort in to it.

Just like Santa himself, the annual office holiday party can be counted on to return year after year. Whether you can’t wait for the office party or can’t wait for it to be over, proper office party etiquette will ensure you have an office to go to at all!