Well that time of year has rolled around again: office party time. I have been to many work parties in my day and have been witness to uncanny acts of drunkenness and debauchery. I have seen the office party make and break many careers. Here are my top five dos and don'ts for your holiday office party.
Award Winning Author, Celebrity Event Planner, Food and Cocktail Stylist
|
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.
"You moon the wrong person at an office party and suddenly you're not 'professional' any more."
-Jeff Foxworthy
Well that time of year has rolled around again: office party time. I have been to many work parties in my day and have been witness to uncanny acts of drunkenness and debauchery. I have seen the office party make and break many careers. I have seen people having sex, (unplanned pregnacies go up 50% over the holidays), doing drugs and pillaging colleagues' private files during this festive season. None of which ended well for anyone.
There have been many times in my corporate career that I wanted to just skip the office party. This, however, is never a good career move. Unless you have a legitimate family engagement, you should always make an appearance at your company's shindig.
Your employer sees the office party as a reward -- a time to build relationships and recognize your service. Not showing up is an insult, however showing up and being unprofessional is an even bigger one.
Here are my top five dos and don'ts for your holiday office party:
1. DON'T wear glitter. You want to look professional. Glitter is for strippers, albeit a legitimate profession, it's not one you want your superiors to think you are associated with.
2. DO dress appropriately. As majestic as your legs, cleavage or pecs may be, putting them on parade at this event is not the wisest choice.
3. DON'T have game. This is an office party, not speed dating. Do not flirt with people, do not pick up, do not invite people (person) back for a night cap. The last thing you want to wake up to is some Coyote Ugly action. This could be a career-ending move.
4. DO mingle. It is very easy at these events to do what is familiar, and that is to chat with the same people you see every day. Use this party as an opportunity to meet new people. Smile, be friendly, chat with strangers -- one day, they could be your favourite colleagues.
5. DON'T drink too much. The demise of any office party is an open bar. Yes this is supposed to be a fun event and you are supposed to let your hair down a little. However the key word here is LITTLE. Everything in moderation, and this includes martinis.
6. DO relax and have fun. I know it's hard to do sometimes, especially given the above don't, but it really is key to let your employers see another side of you. Anytime there's a promotion up for grabs, employers are always looking for well-rounded individuals. You need to show them that you are one of those people.
7. DON'T be crude. This is not the best time to pull out your favourite, "So a guy walks into a bar..." joke. You never know what will turn people off: foul language, inappropriate jokes, too much cologne. It's good to be funny and engaging, just be sure to keep it clean.
8. DO be funny and engaging. I know, I know -- I hit a don't with a do. It's easy to be funny and engaging. Prep a little, read up on the latest movies or celebrity gossip. Some light-hearted and non-religious or political chat material is always key to have in your back pocket.
9. DON'T gossip. This is a surefire career killer. If you don't like or have dirt on people you work with, it's always best to keep it to yourself. You have no idea who is listening or who knows who. Besides, it only makes you look jealous and petty.
10. DO ask people questions. It's a proven fact that people love to talk about themselves. I am sure you know people who have made it a sport. Let them yammer on all night long if you have to. Being a good listener is a fabulous trait to have in the workplace.
11. DON'T HAVE SEX
So did I miss something? Do you have a great office party do or don't? Better yet, what is the craziest thing you have seen at one of these festive gatherings?
Need some inspiration to get drawing? These "rocks" made from soy should do the trick. Crayon Rocks, $7.95 (US), available at Imagine Childhood. (credit:Imagine Childhood)
Salt And Pepper Friends(03 of100)
Open Image Modal
Buddy Salt & Pepper Set, $12.95, available at Linen Chest. (credit:Linen Chest)
Winter whites never looked so good. Tommy Hilfiger’s White Wool Mittens, $14.50, available at Tommy Hilfiger
Classic Fire Striker(12 of100)
Open Image Modal
Your outdoorsy friends may think it's a cheat, but we know there will be others who appreciate the ease of this one. Classic Fire Striker, $15, available at Imagine Childhood. (credit:Imagine Childhood)
Forget rabbits' feet — good luck charms now come with a better design. Golden Horseshoe Good Luck, $14, available at Artsy Modern (credit: Artsy Modern)
Herb Saver(16 of100)
Open Image Modal
Never let that dill go to waste again. Think Kitchen Fresh Herb Saver, $17.99, available at Stokes
Spy Master(17 of100)
Open Image Modal
Sick of your smartphone? Go old-school. World's Smallest Walkie Talkie, Set of 2, $15, available at Urban Outfitters
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, $14.50, available on Amazon.ca (credit:Amazon.ca)
Hand Blender(20 of100)
Open Image Modal
For the smoothie lover in your life, this device will be invaluable. Hamilton Beach Single Serve Blender, $17, available at Amazon.ca (credit:Amazon )
Serious Chef Knife(21 of100)
Open Image Modal
A great knife that also adds some colour into the kitchen. Komachi 8" Chef Knife', $13.95, available at Linen Chest. (credit:Linen Chest)
Digital Piggy Bank(22 of100)
Open Image Modal
Finally, a truly great excuse to empty out your pockets when you get home. Digital Piggy Bank, $10, available at Stokes (credit:Stokes)
Playing Games(23 of100)
Open Image Modal
Name Plate for a desk, Scrabble Office Decor, made to order, starting at $8, available on Etsy
Canadiana Buttons(24 of100)
Open Image Modal
Yes, some people do love to wear their patriotism on their sleeves. Oh Canada Buttons, $10, available at Assembly of Text (credit:Assembly of Text)
Drinking Roulette Game(25 of100)
Open Image Modal
Your buddy might appreciate you handing this to him just because his New Year's party. Drinking Roulette Game, $10, available at Stokes (credit:Stokes)
A simple, but beautiful addition to a hostess' table. Pop-Top Glass Bottle, $12.95, available at Old Faithful Shop (credit:Old Faithful Shop)
Get Back To Childhood(28 of100)
Open Image Modal
Well, childhood with a twist — because those are shot glasses as your game pieces. Snakes and Ladders Game Set, $15, available at Stokes (credit:Stokes)
The hostess with the mostest will love these for parties, and just for display too. Nate Berkus Elephant Place Card Holders, $9.99 for set of 2, Target. (credit:Target)
Taking the headphone splitter to the next level, this doodad helps multiple people listen to the same song at once. Music Branches, $12.50, available at Chapters Indigo (credit:Chapters Indigo )
The perfect amount to satisfy a last-minute chocolate craving. Green & Black's Organic Milk Collection, $9.99, available at select Target and Loblaws locations.
Crayons, markers and pencils, all in one handy case. Micro Art Set, $10.95, AGO (credit:AGO)
Repeat After Me(85 of100)
Open Image Modal
A motion-sensor 'robot' that can record a 10-second message to terrify (or inspire) friends and family. Echo Bot Voice Messager, $19.95, AGO (credit:AGO)
Put The Change Down(86 of100)
Open Image Modal
Leather piggy bank, $19.84, Crate & Barrel (credit:Crate & Barrel)
Leave A Message(87 of100)
Open Image Modal
If anyone you know has a mudroom, then this must go in it. ABC Chalkboard, $20, available at Assembly of Text (credit: Assembly of Text)
The park lover, the 'you have to hear this song' buddy and the dance party aficionado all need this. Meggabeat iPhone® 5 amplifier, $16.95, CB2 (credit:CB2)
Watch That Ring(90 of100)
Open Image Modal
Mr. & Mrs. Ring Dish, $17.19, Crate & Barrel (credit:Crate & Barrel)
Hold 'Em Down(91 of100)
Open Image Modal
Even if few people require paperweights anymore, these are still pretty enough to display. Glass Knot Paperweight, $19, West Elm. (credit:West Elm)
Party Starter(92 of100)
Open Image Modal
A little something for everyone at the party. Party Crackers With Tea, $16.50, David's Tea. (credit:David's Tea)
Danesco 12 Muffin pan with decorative tops, $14.99, available at Linen Chest. (credit:Linen Chest)
Vintage Puzzle(97 of100)
Open Image Modal
For that snowy Christmas day activity with Gramps, it doesn't get much better than this. Eurographics Titanic Jigsaw Puzzle, $16.98, available at Future Shop (credit:Future Shop )
-- This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.
If you have questions or concerns,
please check our FAQ or
contact support@huffpost.com.