Xmas Office Parties

 Xmas office parties are part of your job description if your company expects you to participate in all work matters and outside events. If attendance is expected, skipping can have negative consequences. This is an opportunity to build business relationships and to promote yourself. Don’t gossip or reveal too much personal information.

1. Attend  Xmas office parties unless you have a very good reason not to, it’s part of the job.
2. Dress appropriately for the occasion. Business attire is appropriate when the party is right after work. Remember the Xmas office party is part of your job. It is better to dress more conservatively no matter when the party is held. Looking professional is important.
3. Eat and drink in moderation. The safest bet is not to drink at all.
4. Know who will be there ahead of time. Have an idea about what to talk about. Open ended questions allow the other person to do most of the talking. Avoid work topics. Subjects like current events make interesting conversation.
5. Introduce yourself to your organization’s higher-ups and mingle with people from other departments.
6. Check beforehand if spouses or significant others are invited. If you bring a guest coach him or her on what to wear and what to say. Your guest’s behavior will reflect on you.
7. Displaying affection is a no no at Xmas office parties.
8. Have an exit strategy. Stay at least an hour. Leave before it ends. If the party is from 6 to 8 leave at 7:45.
9. Be sure to thank those who coordinated the party. Send a follow up email!

Read More:

What to wear to holiday office parties?
When choosing an outfit to wear to holiday office parties be sure it is flattering for your figure type, that it fits well (not too short, too long, too tight or too low cut) and that the color flatters your skin color.

If you have a red or green dress or suit, wear it the day of your Christmas Party or a more stylish suit in a basic color.

If you choose a basic color, dress it up with a silk scarf with red and/or green colors or something glitzy .

For Saturday evening office parties you can always wear something simple in silk, velvet or satin. These fabrics are very festive.

Office Gift Giving Tips and Etiquette
Before you fret about holiday gift giving, it’s important to find out what your company’s gift giving policy is. Also is there a price limit? If there is a policy, stick to it, price limit, etc. If you are giving gifts to everyone in your department, give something similar. If you are giving gifts to a few friends at work, exchange them in private.

What to wear to a woman’s Xmas luncheon?
A Xmas luncheon for women can be a fun time to reconnect with friends and perhaps meet new people.

Something classic such as a suit, dress, skirt or pants would be appropriate with some bling to look festive. The popular colors of red and green are good choices this time of year.

Something sparkly like a sequin top and pants or a red turtleneck and leather or faux leather skirt would look festive would be awesome for a Xmas luncheon. . Dress up for holiday get-to-gethers!

Heel Heights and Hemlines for Business
A general rule to follow is that lower hemlines look better with higher heels and higher hemlines look better with lower heels or flats.