As the days are getting colder and it’s almost pitch black before you’re even thinking about leaving work, we’ve all got one thing to look forward to: Christmas! The Christmas season is jam-packed full of shopping, family visits, carols and, of course, the office Christmas party.
This one night every year poses an assortment of dangers and can destroy careers in a matter of moments; whether it’s a fashion faux-pas or a slight error in judgement about how well you can hold your drink, a mistake at the Christmas party can spell disaster for the rest of the year!
Being the perfect office party guest is a fine art and there are a number of definite dos and don’ts that you need to abide by if you’re going to make it through unscathed!
Do: Watch What You Wear
When it comes to office parties, it’s essential that you observe the dress code very carefully. If it’s black tie then dress up to the nines and if it’s fancy dress then be prepared! Fancy dress office parties are becoming more and more popular and it’s a minefield for employees:
– Choose an appropriate costume: that means no slutty nurse costumes and nothing that could be offensive! Remember, you work with these people every day; it’s a good idea to leave a lot to the imagination!
– Make an effort. Turning up in a half-hearted outfit won’t give off a very good impression.
– Get together with some work friends and choose a group costume, you’ll feel much more confident
Don’t: Drink Too Much
You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again, don’t drink too much at the office Christmas party! There is, without exception, always one person that drinks far too much and makes an absolute fool of themselves; would you like to be that person this year?
Do: Mingle and Chat
This is your chance to meet people from other departments and show off your personality; say goodbye to work conversations about the state of the photocopier; this is the time to let your colleagues see your fun side that you can’t let out at work.
Don’t: Make Your Move
When it comes to Christmas party clichés, it’s difficult to decide between drinking too much and making a move on a colleague. To be honest it doesn’t matter; please don’t do either one of them! Let’s face it; it’s never going to end in anything but embarrassment and gossip.
Do: Stick Around
You need to make an effort at Christmas parties and that involves sticking around for quite a while; unless you’ve got a valid reason, you can’t be the first one to leave. Your boss certainly won’t be impressed and your work colleagues won’t think very highly of you; even if it’s a terrible party and you don’t like the people you work with, stay as long as possible and make the best of a bad situation!
There are so many dos and don’ts for a Christmas party but whole purpose of the party is to have a good time, let your hair down and get to know your colleagues so have a good time. Wear something suitable, don’t act like an idiot, stay away from tequila slammers for the evening and enjoy yourself!
Attached Images:
- License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://office.microsoft.com/en-gb/images/results.aspx?qu=office+party&ex=1&origin=FX010132103#ai:MP900430673|
This article was written by Jennifer Griffiths on behalf of Fast Fancy Dress. If you’re looking for a great costume to wow your boss and impress your colleagues at this year’s themed Christmas party then Fast Fancy Dress is the place to go.
