THE 2014 calendar year is approaching its end and so, it is time for the long awaited office end of year parties. Whereas the office will hire the best food caterers and have breweries bring in all types of beverages (especially alcoholic drinks), stand warned that it is not the time to let loose and make a total fool out of yourself with your bosses and co-workers looking on. 

The possibility of becoming the joke at the office Christmas party is big; not with the drinking involved that has no limit. Remember, this is an office event, so technically anything that happens at the party doesn’t stay at the office party. It becomes a part of you. People will not forget.

So below are a few do’s and don’ts to help you maneuver through the end of year office party without any issues.

Dress appropriately

It is a party, yes, but remember it is an office party. Stay away from attire that will make you pass off as a clown, stripper or a queen dancer. If it is too high, too low, or too tight; keep it for your house party or some themed party in town. And please, we know it is a Christmas party, but don’t come dressed as Santa Clause. Reserve the Santa attire for a children’s party.

Do ask if there’s a dress code, if not, casual smart, dinner suit or simple evening gown will do the trick.

Dancing

The mood is high, the Dj is playing some hot jams and you are in the mood to dance, don’t start dancing before the dance floor is declared open. And when it is time to dance, "twerking” (check out former Disney star, Miley Cyrus’ naughty dance at the 2013 Video Music Awards) and "bendover” might be in fashion but don’t attempt it.

Avoid dancing on top of tables with a lampshade on your head. Not only will you miss the disapproving glare from the boss but you may actually fall on top of him or her.Dance with just enough flare to inspire a good-natured and relaxed dance with other coworkers.

Mingle

Don’t use the party as an opportunity for one-on-one time with your boss to discuss the latest evaluation in your department. Furthermore, don’t get too excited and start talking about salary increments and bonuses. The boss doesn’t want to talk business at a party; he/she might be too busy making sure the maniac "twerking” on the tabletop doesn’t fall on anyone.

Make an effort to take a few minutes to greet people from other departments, share a positive message about each person’s past accomplishments or your anticipation of the good things to come in the New Year. Remember that sometimes the people who matter most are the administrative team members who support your success.

Inappropriate behaviour

There’s that young executive who just came into the marketing department. She is cool, well educated, intelligent and sexy. Well, that’s where your thoughts are supposed to stay; any other conversation should be casual. Don’t flirt, and keep your hands to yourself.

The office party is not the time to end your career with the company by doing something inappropriate or illegal.

Conversations

Don’t monopolise conversations; you are not the most important person at the party. Most importantly don’t talk about yourself or your accomplishments all night. Show interest in others.

Be gracious and thank coworkers and team members for all their help and hard work during the past year.

Gossip

It is easy to get caught up in office gossip and with alcohol in the mix; it is possible that the party or the day in office might not end well. It’s best to stay away from gossip.

Do keep small talk general. Be armed with a few social icebreakers like families, children, and holidays. It’s far too easy to get caught up in the ‘he said, she said’ conversations while having a good night with your colleagues.

Drinking

By far, this is the most important on the do’s and don’ts list of office Christmas parties. Don’t drink too much. Most people forget that they are still employed by the company and behave like they would at a free beer, free food event and decide to let their hair loose.

Smart people use these parties to present themselves in the best possible light as opposed to getting utterly drunk. Know your limit and stick to it, even if the boss is getting absolutely drunk, it does not mean that it’s acceptable for you to do that yourself.

Attend and stay a while

Don’t overlook the invitation to an office party; not attending could hurt your reputation. And when you attend, do spend at least 30 minutes at the party for appearances if you have to. It is important to stay for a reasonable amount of time, especially if there is a sit-down dinner. Unless there’s an emergency to attend to, leaving early may look anti-social or unappreciative. But don’t overstay your welcome by partying until the wee hours.

Gifts

Don’t bring gifts for the boss, coworkers or any other crazy stuff you might do at a personal holiday party. If you must, gifts to consider can include a coffee mug, a music CD of Christmas carols, candle holders, or a travel bag. These gifts are neutral and won’t raise eyebrows.

Don’t pack food home

Some people have a sweet tooth for cake and food. Yes, it’s a merry making event; but don’t pack food in your bag to carry home after the party or bottles of wine. It’s unprofessional and makes you pass off as someone who can carry sugar or coffee out of office when no one is seeing.

Keep time

You don’t want to enter the venue when the guest of honour or the boss is giving a speech. You will look out of place and probably your boss will remember you for late coming and this will give a negative impression about your attitude towards work.

Don’t come with un-invited guests

We know you’re a celebrity in town and have so many friends who want to attend your office party. But spare your friends the embarrassment of being bounced. Unless the invitation card allows you to come with a friend or friends, don’t invite them. You can organise your own Christmas party at home and invite as many people as you want.

Food

So back to food, we understand that five course meals do not present themselves to you everyday. However, this is no excuse to eat like there will be a shortage of food for a month. An over heaped plate has never been attractive. Also, try to understand the difference between a starter and the main course. Under no circumstance should you pile your plate with starters. And when you are ready for the main course, go at it with the same civilisation.

That said, if you keep yourself composed and maintain a cheerful but steady presence, the office party has the ability to boost your reputation and expand your network.

Do you want to be the next big thing in your department or even cut a fine rug with the new director of marketing? Or the unfortunate party animal sporting day-after stitches and a concussion, the result of a nasty fall from that tabletop dance?