Well it is that time of year again. The holiday office parties are firing up, so i thought this would be a great opportunity to remind everyone of their holiday office party etiquette. For the most part these tips are really no brainers, but it doesn’t hurt to refresh ourselves. And when i say everyone, i mean me. Oh the holiday parties of past. I still remember the year of the white elephant when i got decorative soap and pretty much let EVERYONE know i was displeased. Oh then there was the year i crawled over the booths in my skirt and asked everyone how their dinner was. The boss was not impressed. Neither was Chris and that is why the next four parties to follow we did not attend. I was being punished for bad behavior. I think it was more “bad judgement” than bad behavior and that leads me to the number one holiday etiquette rule, DON’T DRINK TOO MUCH!

Holiday parties usually have libations, but remember these are co workers. They don’t want to see you all liquored up sporting your attitude. I usually don’t go over board at the party, my downfall was the “pre party”. Best not to do that. Next up your attire. Don’t wear “sexy” wear. Your co workers don’t need nor want to see what the stork saw. Next up is eating at the party. There are usually appetizers before the meal and nobody likes that person that makes a meal out of those. Enjoy, but make sure everyone gets a shot at the cheese ball. Making conversation with co workers at the party should just include idle chit chat. Shy away from the “i can’t stand such and such and did you see so and so’s ridiculous shoes? Words have a way of always getting back to that person or worse yet, your boss, and it is frowned upon. And finally when it comes to office parties, it is always best to arrive on time. You go to work on time, so i think you can handle the party time. It is disrespectful to your co workers who are hungry, and of course management.

So have a great holiday season and an even better experience at your company Christmas party!

Mary