Holiday Office Party Etiquette 101

It's that time of year again. Some of you may have already had your company party, but if you haven't, here are a few tips that might make for a jolly-olly time that won't come back to bite you in the . . .er. You know.

1. Keep your holiday conversations focused on the event as much as possible. You're there to celebrate the holidays, whichever holiday you celebrate. Save your personal and intimate conversations for your outside celebrations.

2. Please - no lampshades on the head or variations thereof. Yes, I went there. No matter how many times you've been told, some of you still tend to "over-indulge." You know your limits. When you start to feel that maybe another glass of wine will be the one that took the last secretary down, switch to sparkling water.

3. How low can you go? We don't want to know. Be festive but don't use the holiday party as an excuse to show the boss and everyone else your greatest assets. Moderation is the key. No one expects you to wear your oxford shirt and trousers, but not too short, not too low. You get my drift.

4. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Don't start telling stories to your co-workers' spouses and partners about things that happen at work. These people don't work with you and this is information which should be shared on a "need to know basis." In other words, zip it.

5. Be gracious and acknowledge what a nice effort (no matter how small) it was for your firm to put on a holiday party. The recession isn't over no matter what you've heard. Many people are out of work. Don't start yakking about how this year's party is "scaled down" from years before. At least you have a job.

6. Take a deep breath and suck it up. Remember, it's the most wonderful time of year!!