Working Word senior account executive, Rachel Mortell contemplates the dos and don’ts of the annual Christmas party.
The Christmas season has crept up on us once again. Cardiff city centre has transformed into a quintessential German village, populated with traditional wooden huts selling a selection of trinkets, handmade Christmas decorations and food. The inviting smell of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts can get even the most committed Scrooge in the Christmas spirit.
But if there is one thing that gets people fired up for Christmas, it is the much-anticipated office Christmas party. Indeed we at Working Word are looking forward to our client Christmas bash which will no doubt be a great opportunity to catch up and have a good time with clients, journalists, contacts and friends alike.
Understandably, everyone wants to let loose a little at the Christmas party. It’s been a tough economic year that many businesses in Wales have struggled through. A Christmas party is surely a chance to forget about all of that, stuff your face with mince pies and wash it down with Baileys right? The answer is yes and no; have a good a time but try and avoid complete humiliation that will leave you cringing well into 2012.
No matter how many Christmas parties you attend this year, if you follow this simple survival guide, you should be able to get through the festive period without a hitch.
Rule #1
Manage drinking time. Whether your party is a lunchtime affair or after work, accept that it’s likely to go on for a number or hours. If you want to last to the bitter end with your speech intact it’s important to space out your drinking and make it last. Drinking water in between should go some way in delaying the effects of intoxication!
Rule #2
Try and avoid talking shop with your colleagues. If you have unresolved work issues, the Christmas party is not the time or place to air those grievances. Not only does it dampen the mood when everyone is trying to enjoy the atmosphere but the alcohol factor heightens the risk you may say something you will regret on Monday morning. If you predict a riot, simply avoid that person if you are a bit tipsy.
Rule #3
Make sure your guests are taken care of. If you are hosting a party, it’s important to remember that your guests’ enjoyment is paramount (even over yours). Make sure they are engaged in conversation, have a drink in their hands and are introduced to like-minded people. If they enjoy themselves, the atmosphere will look after itself. Christmas parties can be a great opportunity to network and make yourself known – just make sure it’s for the right reasons.
Rule #4
Make sure you dress appropriately. For men, I suppose there isn’t much room for error. The biggest decision will be to opt for the shirt/tie combo or opt for a more casual look and leave the tie in the office. For female guests however, getting the dress code wrong can send out the wrong messages. If you spend all year trying to look professional, you don’t want to ruin it with an ill thought-out low cut, backless number that’s way too many inches above the knee. Dress comfortably but smartly and reindeer jumpers are a no-no, unless the theme is fancy dress of course.
Rule #5
Have fun! Christmas parties shouldn’t be too restrictive as everyone is there to have a good time. It’s a chance to let your hair down. If you are relaxed, mingle with the guests and avoid getting too drunk, you will get the most out of the party. Make sure you see out 2011 in style, whatever you do.
