The office party. Hors d'oeuvres are a-plenty, the social awkwardness is breaking, the wine is overflowing, and you are just ever-so-slightly inebriated. Do you break out your wild side and liven up the party? Or remain stoic and professional while sipping on your gin & tonic? Here’s our tips to save your butt so that you don’t end up becoming that coworker.

1. Don’t pull a no-show

   Even if you’ve been invited to another event or are just not quite feeling up for it, skip the excuses and go. It’s a great chance to get to know your coworkers on a more personal level, network, and enjoy mingling in a relaxed atmosphere. Don’t be a grinch; go to the party and you might just learn something new about the people you spend 40+ hours/week with!

2. Don’t be glued to your phone

   This goes without saying. Instead of fighting the feeling to look at your phone when things get socially awkward (you know they will), engage in conversation and be present. Have a few conversation starters in your back pocket and ask lots of questions. And when all else fails, talk about the food! 

3. Don’t get too much into the Holiday “Spirits”

   Enjoy a drink or two, but ultimately you want to avoid being the person that everyone talks about on Monday morning! So stay away from those tequila shots and trust me, you won’t regret it.

4. Don’t be a gossiping goose

   It’s easy to fall into complaining mode about business circumstances, fellow employees and even your boss. Take the upper hand and steer the conversation into something more personal and positive – even non-work-related topics!

5. Don’t dress like you’re going to a club

   This is definitely not the time to break out the tight-fitting-sequin-adorned-show-as-much-leg-as-possible type of dress. Keep it classy and appropriate. Which brings me to my next tip…

6. Don’t hit on your boss

   Or anyone else, for that matter. The office party is probably the worst place you can make advances, even in a jokingly way. Yes, Jim and Pam are freakin’ adorable, but unless you’re looking for trouble, steer clear of standing under the mistletoe.

7. Don’t post hammered pics on Facebook

   Those drunken selfies have a time and a place, and a work function is definitely not one of them! Once a picture is posted, it’s public, and you never know when an online head-hunter might be seeking out your skills but skips you because they came across a wild photo of you drenched in beer while riding the mechanical bull.

Most importantly, DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! Relax, take off your work hat, get to know your team better and enjoy yourself.  And at the end of the night, don’t forget thank your boss/host for putting on a great event! And as always, as you make your way home, please don’t drink and drive. Get cozy and share a cab :) Looking for gifts to give your team this season? Check out our limited supply of Holiday Office Shareable Gift Ideas. And if you’re attending a more intimate party, here are some great Gifts for the Host/Hostess!  - The Gift Designers’ Team