You can be on Entrepreneur’s cover!

7 Ways to Stay Out of Trouble During Your Holiday Office Party When mixing business with pleasure, make sure you put your best foot forward. Here are seven etiquette tips to keep you out of hot water.

By Jacqueline Whitmore

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

blog.goo.ne.jp

It's the holiday season and with that comes the annual office party. With the stress of work put on hold, wine flowing and the temptation to talk gossip, these functions can lead to tricky predicaments. You need to be careful, as etiquette mistakes can quickly put a damper on your career growth.

Here are seven tips for surviving the office party without winding up with eggnog on your face.

1. Eat something before the event. It's best to eat a little something before the function, so you aren't completely starving when you come to the party.

You're more likely to stay away from fatty foods like pot stickers or the beanie weenies. When you do decide to nibble on small bites, stay away from messy or difficult-to-eat foods (anything in a red sauce or on a bone) or large hors d'oeuvres that can't be eaten in one bite.

Related: Smart Ways to Send Business Gifts This Season

Another bonus of having food in your stomach? You won't get tipsy off alcohol as quickly, which can be a lifesaver when trying to schmooze with you bosses or network with colleagues.

2. Don't sit with your friends. Studies show that we tend to gravitate towards people who look like us, sound like us or dress like us. While you may want to find these folks at the event, try to step out of your comfort zone.

An office party is a chance to shine and mingle with those you don't see very often. It is also the perfect time to network with key employees at the office.

Do your homework and find out who will be attending the party. Have some conversation starters available. Most people love to talk about travel, food and hobbies.

3. Practice remembering names. The sweetest sound to someone's ear is his or her own name. When you meet someone new, repeat his name immediately after hearing it. Use the name a couple of times in conversation.

If you can't remember someone's name, say something like, "It's been one of those days. I know you're Paul's wife, but please tell me your name again." Or extend your hand and say your name. This will prompt the other person to say her name too.

4. Hold your glass in your left hand. For introductions, always keep your right hand free for handshaking, as no one likes to shake a cold, wet hand.

Related: Office Etiquette: The Rules of Saying Thank You

When conversing, avoid juggling your food and drink and don't talk with your mouth full of food.

Ladies, leave your large, cumbersome purses at home. They only get in the way. Carry a wristlet instead.

5. Choose your guest carefully. The person you bring to the party can reflect either positively or negatively on you. Follow the dress code and make sure your date does too. Save your most revealing outfit or your favorite pair of blue jeans and a t-shirt for another time. Keep it festive, yet professional.

6. Don't be a Debbie Downer. Though work topics are bound to come up, this is not the time to plan your company's next advertising campaign, talk about the recent layoffs or gossip about a co-worker's divorce. Keep the conversation light and positive. Be sure to include spouses, partners and guests in the conversation.

7. Be all there. A holiday party is a great time to get to know others on a personal level. Be engaged and don't spend a majority of the evening texting, talking on your cell phone, or posting photos on social media. Put people first and put your phone on silent.

What gaffes have you seen people make while attending office parties? Leave your comments below.

Jacqueline Whitmore

Author, Business Etiquette Expert and Founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach

Jacqueline Whitmore is an etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach in Palm Beach, Fla. She is the author of Poised for Success: Mastering the Four Qualities That Distinguish Outstanding Professionals (St. Martin's Press, 2011) and Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work (St. Martin's Press, 2005).

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

From Tom Brady to Kevin O'Leary – See Who Lost Big in the Wake of the FTX Crypto Collapse

The crash exposed an $8 billion hole in FTX's accounts, leaving investors and customers scrambling to recoup their funds.

Business News

This Highly-Debated Piece of Cinematic History Just Sold For Over $700,000 at Auction

The wood panel from "Titanic" is often mistaken as a door. Either way, he couldn't have fit. (Sorry.)

Fundraising

Avoid These 9 Pitch Deck Mistakes When Asking Others For Money

Crafting an efficient pitch deck requires serious effort, but at least it's not wandering in the dark since certain rules are shaped by decades of relationships between startups and investors.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.