Coach your younger colleagues how to conduct themselves at your upcoming seasonal party so that they – and you – have the best time ever, without embarassment. They will thank you and you’ll be able to relax and have a good time yourself.

When you were younger and had less business experience, what should have been an enjoyable evening often turned out to be a nerve-wracking night spent worrying about how not to make a fool out of yourself. By fifty-plus, we have learned our lessons well. Now it’s more likely that you have a group, department or entire company reporting to you, so how about showing some leadership this year? You can mentor the younger ones in your group to have perfect etiquette by sharing these seven rules for success at the company bash.

1. DO attend
If the thought of attending your office Christmas party makes you blurt, “Bah Humbug”, you need to step out of your Scrooge mode. Although you may not want to give up a precious evening socializing with co-workers, you must. Arrive on time, with a smile. A brief two-hour appearance is all you need to make them know you ARE part of the team.

2. DO dress appropriately
Don’t fool yourself. The Christmas office party is more business than party. Management is paying attention, so don’t dress as if you are at a nightclub. Stay clear of too much holiday sparkle; avoid anything slit up to your thigh, too tight fitting, or that reveals an embarrassing amount of cleavage. Instead, go for understated elegance. If you have to ask yourself,  “Is this too much?”, it is.

3. DO mingle
Put your shyness aside. Circulate and talk to everyone. Avoid gossiping, telling off colour jokes and never complain. Take advantage of the night and introduce yourself to senior management you normally wouldn’t have access to. Instead of chatting about business, ask them about their hobbies and interests. Keep things light and positive and don’t talk too much about yourself.

4. DO mind your manners
Finger foods abound at the Christmas office party. Be sure to place your nibbly on a napkin first instead of popping it directly from tray to mouth. Avoid wobbly, tricky-to-eat appetizers, and don’t double dip! Also, brush up on your dining etiquette. Nothing undermines your professional image more than holding your knife and fork like a hillbilly.

5. DON’T overindulge
A glass of beer or wine is fine. Two “purple Jesus’” and a “sex on the beach” will cause you to do humiliating things (not to mention leave you looking like Rudolph the Reindeer!) No matter how hard you try to make up for drunken foolishness later on, your bad behavior this will haunt you for years. Set a limit and stick to it. Also, never let yourself be photographed holding a drink in your hand.

6. DON’T flirt
It’s easy to feel all huggy and kissy at this time of year with the liquor flowing and dull corporate types suddenly looking like movie stars. Now is not the time to snuggle up to your colleague and whisper you’ve always had the hots for them. Avoid mistletoe, and remember what seems like a friendly link-up tonight could become a sexual harassment complaint tomorrow.

7. DO thank your host
No matter how you feel the morning after, arrive at work on time with a positive attitude. Write your boss a thank you note for the party telling him or her how much you enjoyed and appreciated it. It’s a simple touch that speaks volumes, and will definitely not go unnoticed.

Deborah Boland

Deborah Boland is a leading Image and Etiquette Consultant who specializes in helping executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs upgrade their image and refine their etiquette skills for greater success. She is the owner of the Image and Etiquette Finishing School in Toronto, which offers 1- and 2-day programs in acquiring Executive Finesse.

For more information and to sign up for Deborah’s monthly newsletter visit www.deborahboland.com

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