Office Christmas party etiquette
 During the holidays, most workers take time off -- rather than spend it with colleagues they usually see 40 hours a week.
But there’s one office obligation some people can’t, or don’t want to, get out of -- the company Christmas party.
Although schmoozing with co-workers over banquet food, table wine and generic music may not be your idea of the perfect night, how gracefully you perform the social dance can influence your professional relationships. This year, why not approach the event as an opportunity to wow your colleagues, and your bosses, instead of an annual chore you have to endure?
Diane Craig, an image and etiquette specialist with Toronto-based Corporate Class Inc., gave CTV.ca all the office party tips you’ll need to shine brighter than the bulk-bought decorations.
Dress to impress
- Most of us have had a good laugh over a bad tie at some point in our lives. Avoid being the brunt of a joke by choosing neckwear without Christmas characters, candy can stripes or flashing lights.
Craig suggests maintaining a classy look, and your holiday spirit, by sporting a nice red pocket square, a white shirt and a complimentary tie.
Avoid feast faux-pas
- No matter how small, pretty or expensive your evening bag is, it should never be left on the table.
“Hopefully there is a strap and you can hang it on the side of your chair,” says Craig. “If not, get an extra napkin or a tissue and put it on the floor.”
- Wait for everyone to be served before digging in -- it’s an age-old rule, but one that could be forgotten if you’re distracted by conversation, speeches, or music.
- Know which glass and bread and butter plate is yours. Craig says to remember that solids go on the left and liquids go on the right. She recommends redefining the acronym BMW -- bread, then meal, then water.
Be in the networking know
- Prepare before the event – have a self-introduction memorized, some small talk topics picked out and eat before you go so you don’t arrive starving
- If you forget a name, don’t panic. Get out of the flub by asking the person to introduce themselves to another attendee to avoid embarrassment. Craig recommends fuelling the interdiction by saying “I don’t believe the two of you have met?”
- Always ask for the other person’s business card before offering yours.
And last, but certainly not least, Craig’s shared her top three things to avoid if you don’t want to fudge the office festivities:
- Acting or dressing suggestively
- Dancing on the table
- Being the last one to leave.
http://www.corporateclassinc.com/
- Nicole Tomlinson
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