The Unspoken Etiquette of Your Holiday Office Party

For your holiday office party, the boss rented out the ballroom, ordered a bounty of drinks and food, and paid for the band. Surely, the boss wants you to let loose, indulge, and thoroughly enjoy yourself. Doing anything else would be a poor show of gratitude on your part. Plus, your good work ethic all year long gives you a holiday office party pass to revelry!

1. The invitation might say the dress code is “Holiday festive” or “Cocktail attire,” but don’t show much more skin than you would at a business meeting.

2. Guys should dress one step above what they think they should wear.

3. What your date or spouse wears and how that person acts is just as important as what you wear and how you act.

4. When possible, say hello or goodbye to the host(s) and thank them for the party.

5. Never corner the boss, and steer the conversation away from business with your co-workers.

6. Pay special attention to the spouses of the people you work closely with.

7. If you know the boss’s assistant(s), thank them.

8. You don’t bring a hostess gift unless the party is held at someone’s home.

9. Nurse your drink.

10. A thank you note is sometimes in order.