The 10 Rules of Holiday Party Etiquette
Here is a reminder of something our Guest, Sharon Schweitzer, wrote
back in August. It's that time of year when business owners tend to host formal
and sometimes elaborate holiday parties. At the very least, excess celebration
and etiquette mistakes can become fodder for next day stories and eventually legend
for future parties. But worse, these mistakes can be devastating to one's professional
career and even be the end of it. What do you need to know to navigate the holiday
office party like a pro?
Sharon Schweitzer, an international business etiquette expert,
author, and the founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide, offers the "Do's
and Don'ts" of holiday office party etiquette.
- DO RSVP: Be sure to respond to an invitation with 48 hours, regardless
of whether it comes via Evite, email, telephone or traditional methods. As much
as you may not wish to attend, you must. Attendance is practically mandatory —
failing to go to the annual holiday party sends a negative message. Executives
and upper management will take note.
- DO Arrive and Depart on Time: Pay attention to the time that you arrive
and when you leave. Arriving "fashionably late" is inappropriate. Do not arrive
early, but do plan to arrive within the first 15-20 minutes. Even if you truly
do not want to attend, avoid arriving 30 minutes before the end just to make
an appearance.
- DON'T Bring an Extra Guest: Be sure to read the invitation carefully.
Know the company policy on guests, or whether the event is "Employees Only" or
has a "Plus One". Discreetly check ahead of time to determine whether spouses
or dates are welcome.
- GREET Hosts, Colleagues and Party Planners: When you arrive at the
party, be sure to greet, thank and shake hands with your hosts and the party planners.
If it is a company or partnership owned by more than one individual, be sure to
thank all of them! Chat briefly and compliment an aspect of the party that you
sincerely enjoyed such as the catering, music, or décor. Limit this to 5 minutes
and move on.
- DON'T Hide in the Corner: Everyone watches the entrance to a room.
When you arrive, do not head straight for the bar or buffet. Enter, pause, step
to the right, greet and shake hands with the person standing there. Executives
enjoy speaking with employees. Your company party may be one of the few times
you see them in person. Introduce yourself, state the department you work in and
shake hands.
This is a good time to become visible to your organization's leadership. Greet
your superiors, and chat with as many colleagues as you can, introducing yourself
to those that you do not know well. Greet co-workers warmly, and with a smile
on your face. Resist the urge to spend the entire evening with your office buddies
— get in the spirit and mingle with people from other departments. At all
costs, avoid appearing bored and ready to dash for the door.
- DON'T Give a Monologue: Strive to keep business talk to a minimum!
When socializing with business colleagues it can be difficult not to talk shop.
Instead, view the office party as an opportunity to get to know colleagues a little
better on a personal level. Stay with topics such as travel, children, sports,
pets and movies. Remember to avoid politics, sex and religion. Keep discussions
positive and no more than 5-10 minutes. Avoid gossiping, complaining and
bragging. The party is intended to be a time to celebrate the successes of the
year. A cheerful mood is in order!
- DON'T WEAR That! Pay attention to the attire listed on the invitation.
The holiday party may be a festive occasion; however it is still attended by your
coworkers. This especially applies to women who are sometimes tempted to use company
parties to strut their stuff. Leave short, tight or revealing clothing in the
closet. Use good taste to select an elegant outfit and leave the over-the-knee-boots
for purely social events. Creating a professional image is hard work; don't undermine
it in one evening.
- DON'T Binge at the Buffet: Eat a small amount of protein beforehand.
You were not invited because the hosts thought you were hungry! Be considerate
of others and remember your etiquette basics — keep hands clean and avoid a mouth
full of hors d'oeuvres. Avoid walking around with a full plate, do not double
dip or eat over the chafing dish, and properly discard toothpicks, napkins, and
plates.
- DON'T be Monday's Gossip: This is probably the most common mistake
that executives make during the holiday party. Alcohol and a loose tongue may
add up to a regretful Monday morning equation. Consider tea, club soda or water.
If you choose to drink, do so responsibly. Remember to carry your refreshment
in your left hand. Leave your right hand free for handshaking.
- DON'T Clap for Yourself: The CEO may offer a toast during the evening.
When the toast is for a colleague, raise your glass at the conclusion of the toast,
when the host raises their glass. Do not touch your glass with everyone else;
it is unnecessary and distracting. Pause afterward and watch. The recipient will
most likely reciprocate with a toast.
If you have been a star performer, you may be honored with a toast. Stand and accept it gracefully. Refrain from drinking to a toast offered in your honor; this is akin to clapping for yourself. Be sure to stand and make a toast to the person who toasted you, thanking them for the recognition.
If you can master and execute all of that with flying colors, you are in good
shape for the New Year.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
Sharon Schweitzer JD may be reached at info@protocolww.com
or through her web site: www.protocolww.com/trainings/.
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