‘Tis The Season!

by Nicole

The holiday’s are here and that means one thing…company Christmas party! I know, my first thought would be good times with free food and alcohol, but don’t get too excited; you have to uphold your respectable name at the office! You don’t want to be “that guy” who drinks too much, asks out a beautiful co-worker, and loses their shoes in the bathroom, I know, random, but it happens! Trust me, I lived next door to the fraternity house in college. Also, many people struggle with what to wear or bring, so I have a few personal tips on how to have a blast but keep a good name at the office at this year’s Company Party!

What Do I Wear?

Men- Check with the ladies (they always know what a man should wear) and the dress standard of the venue. If in doubt, over dress, rather than under, I would suggest dark trousers, pants or slacks, and a classic shirt. Remember how to iron, I cannot stress that enough! Think ahead, some restaurants and clubs won’t let you in if your shirt doesn’t have a collar or if you don’t have a jacket on. Most importantly, make sure you are comfortable; it is hard to be yourself and have a good time if you are wearing something that’s just “not you”.

For the ladies- Unless you’re in the adult entertainment industry, showing a lot of skin is tacky and inappropriate at company Christmas parties. I always suggested going with an outfit that shows your personality. A cute skirt (no more than 2” above the knee) with a nice pair of heels and a classic set of pearls is perfect. Try to branch out of the corporate dress code by throwing on a loud blouse with a cute broach. You want your co-workers to think you have class and style!

Hot Conversations…Did You Hear About That!

Work is over – Believe it or not, we all have lives outside our work, maybe not very interesting ones, but we do! I understand that work may be a common interest point with others at the Christmas party, but this is your chance to really get to know one another. Work is better left at work. Who knows the new girl might become your new closes friend!

Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays – Politics, sex, blondes (my favorite), religion, and races… all include the opportunity for bad jokes. Remember that outside of work, people still have feelings, even though you don’t think so, and you need to respect that. Badly approached topics may result in heated debates and personality mismatches. This is about as tacky as white slacks after Labor Day… don’t do it!

Food…Umm…Wine

It is Free – By all means, take advantage of the ever-pouring drinks and the plentiful free food… but remember your own limitations. Do we need to go back to the shoeless drunk guy? A good rule of thumb with alcohol is to match every alcoholic drink with a glass of water or soda. Spare your reputation, your dignity and your liver! Whatever you do, don’t drive home! Be smart people!

Taxi Please – I am sure after a few drinks you feel like you are on top of the world, but nothing can bring you down faster that blue lights in your rearview mirror after a night of drinking at your company party. The first thing I did when I moved to NC is to program three cab company’s numbers into my cell phone. Therefore, if I ever need a ride home it is just a call away.

Socialize!

Meet and Mingle! – If you see the IT manager sitting on his own in a dark corner, help him out and go speak to him. Not to say all IT managers are like that, but that goes for anyone who might be a little shy, or even new to the company. Some firms encourage people to bring their partners, and they often feel strange not knowing anyone. Help them feel comfortable, talk to them, ask them what they do or what they are interested in. Most of all seem interested, even if they are talking about fossils or what not! Remember not to spend a lot of time talking about yourself; try to find out more about them! Plus you don’t want to be boastful! Make sure you carry a stack of business cards in your top pocket, or in a handy place in your handbag. You never know who you might meet!

Most of all have fun, isn’t that what parties are for?

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