How to Avoid Holiday Party Missteps and Keep Your Focus on Professionalism During the Festive Season 

The holiday season means holiday parties.  “Employees at all levels get excited about the holidays and all the different functions that are a part of the season,” states Pamela Eyring, president and owner of The Protocol School of Washington. “But, at the same time, they might relax and lose their focus on professionalism.”

So, if you don’t want your name to appear on the office naughty list, it’s important to put a plan in place beforehand to avoid being embarrassed. By taking a few precautions and exercising good judgment, you can go through the entire season stress-free, with your reputation unscathed.

Holiday Party Decorum

• RSVP.  Often disregarded, this is a practical and polite gesture for the benefit of your host. Of course, illness and family emergencies happen, and if that’s the case, simply contact the host as soon as possible to extend regrets.
• Make sure to ask the right questions such as: Are children invited?
• Greet host/hostess upon arrival, and then move on to greet other guests.
• Small talk: mingle, mingle, mingle. Look for groups where people are open in their body language and appear friendly. Don’t barge into conversations. Instead, move near the group, make eye contact, smile and ask, “May I join you?”
• Cocktail parties: Eat before you go. You were invited for your company, not your appetite. Eating in advance allows you to avoid consuming hard-to-eat items, and will help you from drinking on an empty stomach.
• Don’t drink too much. Nothing is more embarrassing then being the talk around the water cooler Monday morning due to your less-than-perfect karaoke skills and your coffee table dance routine.
• Thank you notes are a dying art.  Make this a new habit and write a thank you within 48 hours of the event.
  

Holiday Toasting

• If you are being toasted, remember that one does not drink to oneself.
• Alcohol is the usual toasting beverage, but any other drink is just as acceptable.
• Remember the three B’s of toasting: begin, be brief, and be seated.
• Know your role at a party (host or guest of honor). If you are in either one of these positions, it is a wise idea to be thinking about what you will present in your toast.
• Sincerity is always better than jokes at someone else’s expense.
• There are two traditional toasts given by the host: the first is a welcome toast, before eating, when the host rises and welcomes everyone. (Note: the host may remain seated if the group is small.) Regardless, everyone drinks to this toast.
• The second is a toast to the guest of honor. This is offered when the dessert course is served. The host rises and proposes a toast to the guest of honor by acknowledging – for example —  accomplishments, a working relationship, or a special occasion.
  

Holiday Attire

Dress appropriately. The invitation should give a good indication as to what dress is expected in regard to a company holiday party. The best idea is to err on the side of formality. The question to ask is, how do you want to appear to your superiors? If you’re not sure what to wear, ask beforehand.

Holiday Gift-Giving

Gift giving can be tricky.

• Think about your relationship to the recipient. If this is a new business relationship, never send a gift in the hopes of favorably influencing a business decision.
• Make sure your gift is appropriate. Use common sense. Choose a gift that is tasteful and understated.  Examples include a beautiful photo frame, small piece of china, or a book on a topic that you know (for sure) interests the recipient.
• Consider the entire team: is there more than one person at the company to whom you should be showing appreciation? Is there a group of executives and assistants who will feel left out?
• The reputation of your business is very important. If in doubt, when sending gifts to clients, send only the very best you can afford.
• Presentation is everything. Make sure that your gift is properly presented, wrapped, and above all, accompanied by a nicely handwritten card with a special note of thanks and holiday wishes.
• Non-denominational  “holiday” cards are the savvy option, as you should not assume the recipient’s customs or religious beliefs.  Read here on how to get a better handle on the topic.

You’ve worked too hard to build your professional image and reputation to blow it on one careless night of fun. By following these suggestions, you can both enjoy the celebration and keep your dignity and professionalism intact.