Etiquette Tips For Your Holiday Office Party

Office parties are a tough minefield to navigate. Firstly, there's the enormously weird combination of your boss and copious amounts of liquor in the same room, each demanding lots of your attention. Then there's the impending holiday time off that always induces bouts of giddyness.

Well, we're here to help with our list of highly useful Etiquette Tips for Your Holiday Office Party. Just think of us as very wise (and hilarious) soldiers coming to guide you through the landmines.

Office parties can be a great way to strengthen your inner-office relationships and have a great night of fun at the company's expense, if you navigate them properly. Use these tips at your next one and be the everyone's talking about--but in a good way.

Be Social, But Don't Overshare

It's sometimes hard to imagine before you start drinking, but, the office party is actually intended for you to socialize. Don't kill the opportunity by talking and talking and talking about work. Pick a neutral conversation starter, like commenting on the excellent food and wine pairings, and go from there.

On the flip side, realize that you are still kind of working, so some subjects should be avoided. For example, no one wants to hear about your last visit to the doctor that ended in a colonoscopy. These are your co-workers, and unlike random acquaintances at a bar, you'll have to see them over and over again.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry - Just Not Too Merry

Someone spent lots of time planning this party, so enjoy it! Sing a little karaoke, play a fun game, try new foods and drink new wines, but be very aware of your limits. If you are in doubt about how much you can consume, drink less. No one wants to nurse a drunk co-worker all night, or worse, you could be the drunken girl that did you-know-what at the holiday party that people talk about for years to come.

Make New Friends

The holiday party is a perfect opportunity to go outside of your cubicle comfort zone. Strike up a friendly conversation with the guys in Accounting, or the new girl at the reception desk. Everyone is so happy (and stuffed with food and liquor) that it won't seem as awkward as if you were at the office. In this case, it's perfectly acceptable to start off the conversation talking about a work-related topic, but try to quickly veer into non-work, neutral territory.

Dress Appropriately

The office party is a strange hybrid of party and the office, so satisfy both sides with a stylish dress or outfit that won't raise any eyebrows.

Ladies, avoid low-cut tops, short skirts, and super-low pants. You can, however, show off your holiday spirit and personality with accessories that you wouldn't normally wear to the office, like those big gold hoops or the skull-shaped necklace.

Be Grateful!

After the party, don't forget to thank the hostess (or whatever team did most of the planning) and your bosses for a great time. They won't soon forget your appreciation!