By Miranda Wulf
The advent of ‘round the clock holiday music ring-a-linging in every store can only mean one thing (other than your credit card potentially getting a workout) – party season is here! As you wade through the barrage of evites, Facebook events and calligraphied invitations, there is one party you must RSVP yes to – and that is your company holiday party. In the interest of helping you along in your professional journey I would like to suggest a few tips, reminders and out-right commands when it comes to attending your office party with style and panache.
Bring Your Presence
You may be tempted to skip your office party, especially if it conflicts with your friend’s fabulous ugly sweater soiree, but no matter what your personal feelings are about spending an evening with your co-workers, it is important to mute your inner party Grinch and hit that event with a positive attitude! Consider this function an extension of your business and a display of your loyalty and willingness to be a team-player. Not to mention that you have the opportunity to rub elbows with your superiors, potentially forging new connections in a more relaxed environment. Be sure to arrive on time, mentally prepared to have a good time. There is no need to stay all night – a two-hour appearance is all you need to make them know you are part of the team. It is perfectly acceptable to tell the truth and let them know you have another event to attend that evening. Just keep to yourself that it’s actually a party of two back at home in front of PVRd episodes of Walking Dead.
Adorn Accordingly
As an extension of your business, what you wear to this work-related event affects your professional image. Management will be paying attention so keep in mind that the office party is more business than party. This is not the place to wear your ironic t-shirt with jeans, or anything too tight, short, or low-cut (read, keep cleavage tasteful). If you would wear it to the club, don’t wear it here. On the other end of the spectrum, this is not prom either. There is no need to bust out the tux or ball gown and tiara (unless the invitation specifically mentions black tie or a Cinderella theme). Aim for understated elegance. If you look in the mirror and find yourself asking, “Is this too much?” it probably is. Ladies, this is the time to pull out your luxe fabrics – think silk, satin, and velvet. Men should wear that dapper overcoat, shirt, tie and dress pants. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: wear some colour! Yes, black can be sophisticated, but wearing colour says, “I’m festive!”
Mix ‘n’ Mingle
When you arrive, make an effort to connect with fellow party-goers first before hitting the bar or buffet table. Put your shyness aside and try to greet everyone in the room, if anything to at least to wish them happy holidays (don’t forget that not everyone celebrates Christmas). Why not take this opportunity to introduce yourself to the senior management who are generally inaccessible to you? Avoid business talk and connect with them on a personal level. In fact, keep shop talk out of all of your conversations for the night. Instead ask people about their hobbies and interests while keeping things light and cheerful. Making conversation with your boss’ spouse is always a good move – as is being friendly with everyone’s significant other. Kindness and courtesy go a long way. They’ll feel more welcome and at ease, and who knows, you may just meet some great people and learn something new! Make an effort to not talk about yourself too much. Do not gossip, use foul language or tell off-colour jokes -and definitely do not be the person whining and complaining about the food, décor, drinks or anything. It is the season of good cheer! Spread it around!
Manners Matter
Depending on the size of your company you will be faced with either finger foods, or a sit-down meal. When it comes to an h’ordeuvre situation, the key is to place the nibbly bits on your napkin (or tiny plate) before devouring it. Eating straight from platter to mouth makes you look like a ravenous animal. In that respect it is also generally wise to avoid the messy, tricky-to-eat appetizers, and do not double dip! Some would argue it’s like putting your whole mouth in the dip. If possible, take a portion of dip for your plate and then scoop away as you see fit. If you are to be having a sit-down meal it’s probably a good idea to brush up on your dining etiquette. Your professional credibility comes into question when you’re seen holding your knife and fork like a four-year-old. A few quick dining tips to remember:
-Place your napkin on your lap when you sit down and leave it on your chair if you must leave the table (nobody wants to stare at your dirty napkin in your absence).
-Do not speak with your mouth full or reach around the table like a gorilla.
-Mind your portions to avoid looking like a glutton. It is much better to take a second helping than to heap a bunch of food onto your plate as if it were your last meal ever.
-Fork in left hand, knife in right hand, cut one piece at a time (ideally, with your fork facing down). If you must switch hands to be comfortable, lay the knife across top of plate with the blade toward you and move the fork to your right hand. Practice this while eating meals at home to increase your elegance factor.
Keep Spirits Light
Set yourself a limit and stick to it – ideally, a two-drink maximum. Enjoy a beer or a glass of wine, but skip the “Sex on the Beach” and “Death Bombs”. Enjoying a couple beverages is one thing, tying your tie around your head like Rambo or unbuttoning your shirt is another. If you like to let loose, save it for another time when the person who signs your paycheque is not watching. Humiliating yourself in a professional setting will haunt you for years regardless of how hard you try to make up for it after the fact. Keep in mind that while all beverages may not be created equal, they are all still just beverages. Having a drink in your hand generally makes you appear sociable and keeps people from feeling awkward if they are drinking, but that just means holding a glass that contains liquid. It could be alcohol or juice or water. If you do choose to drink then stay classy and DO NOT DRIVE home. This one is non-negotiable.
Flirting with Disaster
It can be pretty easy to become complimentary and touchy-feely at an event where the people you see in their boring business attire daily are suddenly all dolled up, looking shiny and pretty. Adding alcohol to the mix makes the slope that much more slippery. This is not the appropriate scenario to confess to your colleague that you’ve always had a secret crush on them. Treat it as you would if you were back in the office. If there is mistletoe, avoid it like the plague, and remember that what may seem harmless in the moment could turn into a sexual harassment complaint tomorrow.
Mind Your Guests
If you receive an invitation with a “plus one” be sure that the person you invite is on the same page as you when it comes to decorum, be it significant other or friend. Their actions have the ability to affect your reputation as well. Any clients that you invite are also your responsibility, so be sure to help them mingle and introduce them to various people. When making introductions remember to find the common ground between your two parties in order to facilitate conversation and keep your right hand free in order to shake hands in these scenarios.
Curb Kleptomania
It may seem like it goes without saying, but you would be surprised by how many people try to make off with “extras”. Table decorations, toiletries from the bathroom basket, even food. Being seen bagging these items sends the message that you are a greedy guts. Just don’t do it. It is incredibly gauche.
Express Thanks
If you’ve followed the previous guidelines, you should feel just fine in the morning. However, if you ended up getting a wee bit tipsy, it is even more imperative you show up to work on time clean, sober and with a positive attitude. When you arrive take a moment to write your boss, or party organizer, a thank you note for the party expressing to them what a great time you had and that you appreciate the effort they went to. It is a simple gesture you can make that speaks volumes and shows that you are a thoughtful person. An attitude of gratitude is always in season.
Miranda Wulf is an expert in the field of Image Consulting and has helped countless individuals and businesses craft an image that is authentic, personal and impacting. She will be spending the holidays in Vancouver with her family celebrating her niece’s first birthday.
Category: Work
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