‘Tis the season to be jolly – whether you’re a fresh recruit or a long-serving member of your company, it’s likely that you’re preparing yourself for the annual office Christmas party!

This is usually a great time for everyone to let their hair down and have some fun. But, it can also end up being a recipe for disaster! After all, the Monday following the Christmas party can be a sobering experience, with flashbacks to some horrific memories you might not want to remember!

Bearing that in mind, to have a successful office Christmas party follow our 5 tips to ensure the night goes smoothly!

Don’t overdo it on the drinks

Most office parties centre around drinking and getting merry, but be careful with that free bar! Drinking too much can lower your inhibitions and cause you to act in ways you wouldn’t normally – plus you don’t want to be the butt of the joke in the office group chat for months to come!

Likewise, although it might be tempting to skip the long taxi queue and drive home, don’t get in your car if you’ve had a drink. You’re risking your own safety and those around you if you do!

Say no to the mistletoe

Office parties are a great way to get to know your colleagues, especially if they’re from other departments you might not work with. Just make sure you don’t overstep the line into inappropriate territory.

This is especially important if you’re the boss or in a management role – you shouldn’t make any inappropriate jokes or comments, even if they’re not serious, toward any other colleague. 

It’s best to avoid office flirting altogether if you don’t want to be the subject of office gossip. Be sure to tell Pam from HR to back off if she gets too cosy!

Dress appropriately

Depending on the tone and type of your office party, it might be a chance to dress a little more festive than usual. However, it’s all fine if fancy dress is encouraged, but that isn’t an excuse to turn up in something rude and inappropriate. 

Remember that, despite all the fun, you will be surrounded by your boss and colleagues, and that you should treat the party as a form of a professional setting.

Don’t complain about your colleagues or clients

The Christmas party is supposed to be a time of celebration, not negativity. This is not the right time or place to be complaining about your boss, whining about another colleague or moaning about a client.

Gossip spreads quickly within the workplace, so you need to be extra conscious of what you say. Even if it is in a more relaxed environment, you can’t let your hair down entirely. 

Don’t be a pig in a blanket

Don’t be a pig in a blanket, meaning, don’t hog all the food! If your office party includes buffet-style finger food, remember to share! It’s important you don’t forget to eat (especially when alcohol is involved), but that doesn’t mean you should be keeping all the mince pies to yourself.

Likewise, if your company is paying for the food/meal/drinks, don’t go overboard on what you order. They won’t be too pleased if they have a bill for grilled lobster and expensive champagne!

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