How To Survive the Office Holiday Party

While the drinks are guaranteed, the food isn’t. Eat enough before you go so you can have a drink without feeling tipsy, and so you won’t need to raid the hors d’oeuvres.

Check with the organizer to confirm the dress code, and wear a tasteful, appropriate outfit.

Mingle and introduce yourself. Now is the perfect time to network with those happily tipsy execs who don’t quite know you yet.

Have fun, but be professional. The rules of the office still apply, so no gossiping, no over-sharing, no getting wasted, and no sexual contact with your co-workers.

Keep the conversation positive and light. Try to avoid talking about the office, monopolizing the conversation, or correcting people.

If you’ve got a drink, hold it in your left hand. That way, your right hand will be clean and dry for handshakes.

We know you mean well, but be wary of wishing people a “merry Christmas.” Since not everyone celebrates Santa’s big day, you’re less likely to offend folks if you wish them “happy holidays.”

Before you hightail it out of there, make sure you sincerely thank the party organizers. It only takes a minute, and you’ll come off like a class act.