Do the office Christmas Party like a boss!

The Drinks Blogger’s take on how to do the silly season in style

It’s November and already my inbox is starting to accumulate a steady stream of invitations to all sorts of end of year office parties. Nothing beats a good office party, it’s a time to let your hair down, relax and connect with your colleagues in a social setting.

Often times, we go to these office parties unprepared, get overwhelmed by the situation and end up drunk or belligerent or both. Don’t be that person! These are your colleagues, you still have to work with them and there’s nothing as depressing as having to explain yourself after the fact.

Don’t get me wrong, I like a good party and a tipple, however, things could go wrong and you don’t want to fall victim to this. Here are a few dos and don’ts to make your 2018 office party the best one ever;

1. Don’t be a party-pooper and not attend. This is a time to mingle with your colleagues in a more social setting so show up. An opportunity exists here for you to network and present yourself to others who might not know you.

2. Do dress appropriately. Don’t wear anything too revealing or in any way inappropriate. If there’s a theme, find an outfit that sticks to theme and do it with style.

3. Do take part in the office gift-giving tradition. Whether your office does a Secret Santa or Open gift giving, buy appropriate gifts, don’t buy gifts that are too personal such as lingerie or jewellery unless you know for a fact that the recipient will like the jewellery.

4. Do socialise, don’t just sit in the corner of the room and not talk to anyone. People are friendlier during the festive season therefore more open so find someone to talk to BUT whatever you do, DO NOT gossip and don’t over share about your personal life.

5. Whatever you do, don’t get drunk. If, like me, you like a tipple, you might want to take it easy at the office party, you don’t want to be the subject of gossip for the next year. Remember you still have to see and work with these people, so don’t overdo it. Pace yourself, take it easy and drink plenty of water.

6. Also, don’t drink and drive. I cannot stress this enough! It is after all the silly season and we know how dangerous our roads can get especially around this time of the year. If possible, arrange alternative transport, elect a colleague who doesn’t drink to be your designated driver or better yet, call a taxi service.

Office parties are a great way to let loose and network with your colleagues. Be fabulous and do the silly season in like a boss, who knows? You might just land that role in Marketing you’ve been wanting.

Happy Holidays!