The invites are out, calendars are marked and the decoration committee is hanging wreaths in the conference room and perfecting an eggnog recipe. Last year, Frank in accounting had a few too many whiskeys and told everyone how he really feels about the CEO. Remember that? Of course you do. No one wants to be Frank in accounting. Which is why The Daily, looking out for your best interests, consulted five etiquette experts to assure you won’t be the talk of the water cooler by New Year’s.
DR. RUTH WESTHEIMER
psychosexual therapist, author, cultural icon
"Don’t think because it’s an office party and you had something to drink that you can tell your boss all the things you don’t like. Don’t use the party as a gripe session. Don’t just air your grievances.”
On the open bar: “If there’s drinking and dancing, then the desire for sex is always there. But if you are married, don’t do that! Make sure you know your limitations and what alcohol does to you.”
ANNA POST
author, spokeswoman at Emily Post Institute, great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post
“Absolute No. 1 right now is social-network the room rather than social networking on your smartphone. A lot of people will spend the whole time texting and checking emails, and that’s what your office and the other 23 hours of the day are for. These holiday events are about building relationships with people. Put it away, even if you see other people doing it.”
On the open bar: “I’d never want anybody in a position where they’re apologizing because of alcohol. Just set your limit for how much you’re going to drink before you get there and stick to it. Especially with the amount of camera phones people have these days.”
JACQUELINE WHITMORE
author of “Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work” and the founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach
“Even though you might not be at the workplace, you’re still under the auspices of your company. Stay away from anything too tight, too short, too loose, too low. It’s really important that you dress professionally. You can still be fun and wear a fun outfit without being overtly sexy or tacky. People are most likely watching the interns and new hires more closely and monitoring their behavior. A holiday party is a good way to tell a person’s true personality.”
On the open bar: “No swinging from the chandeliers. Loose lips sink ships! One or two drinks is about most people’s limit before they start telling off-color jokes.”
BEVERLY LANGFORD
professor of business communication programs at Georgia State University and author of “The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Sucess”
“It’s a great opportunity for you to have some interaction with senior people you don’t work with directly every day. Now, at the opposite end of the spectrum, you don’t want to be the bore who goes there and talks shop all night. These are people you know. Don’t stand around waiting for other people to make the first move. Don’t hang back and wait for someone to come to you. Without being overly aggressive, just take the time to say hello to people.”
On the open bar: “Go easy. Pace yourself. You want to make sure that you are absolutely aware of everything. I’m not saying that you have to stand there and drink club soda all night. But pace it. Don’t go on an empty stomach. Just common sense things that we forget to do when we’re stressed or busy or enjoying the party.”
DIANE GOTTSMAN
owner of the Protocol School of Texas
“The office holiday party is often for just the office. If they don’t have it on the invite, do not ask. Do not say, ‘Hey, can I bring a date?’ Because that puts them in an awkward situation. Plus one is not an option if it’s not on the invitation.”
On the open bar: “Just because your boss is drinking like a fish, you don’t need to keep up with him. You need to maintain your composure because you have to be responsible for your behavior.”
DR. RUTH WESTHEIMER
psychosexual therapist, author, cultural icon
"Don’t think because it’s an office party and you had something to drink that you can tell your boss all the things you don’t like. Don’t use the party as a gripe session. Don’t just air your grievances.”
On the open bar: “If there’s drinking and dancing, then the desire for sex is always there. But if you are married, don’t do that! Make sure you know your limitations and what alcohol does to you.”
ANNA POST
author, spokeswoman at Emily Post Institute, great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post
“Absolute No. 1 right now is social-network the room rather than social networking on your smartphone. A lot of people will spend the whole time texting and checking emails, and that’s what your office and the other 23 hours of the day are for. These holiday events are about building relationships with people. Put it away, even if you see other people doing it.”
On the open bar: “I’d never want anybody in a position where they’re apologizing because of alcohol. Just set your limit for how much you’re going to drink before you get there and stick to it. Especially with the amount of camera phones people have these days.”
JACQUELINE WHITMORE
author of “Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work” and the founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach
“Even though you might not be at the workplace, you’re still under the auspices of your company. Stay away from anything too tight, too short, too loose, too low. It’s really important that you dress professionally. You can still be fun and wear a fun outfit without being overtly sexy or tacky. People are most likely watching the interns and new hires more closely and monitoring their behavior. A holiday party is a good way to tell a person’s true personality.”
On the open bar: “No swinging from the chandeliers. Loose lips sink ships! One or two drinks is about most people’s limit before they start telling off-color jokes.”
BEVERLY LANGFORD
professor of business communication programs at Georgia State University and author of “The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Sucess”
“It’s a great opportunity for you to have some interaction with senior people you don’t work with directly every day. Now, at the opposite end of the spectrum, you don’t want to be the bore who goes there and talks shop all night. These are people you know. Don’t stand around waiting for other people to make the first move. Don’t hang back and wait for someone to come to you. Without being overly aggressive, just take the time to say hello to people.”
On the open bar: “Go easy. Pace yourself. You want to make sure that you are absolutely aware of everything. I’m not saying that you have to stand there and drink club soda all night. But pace it. Don’t go on an empty stomach. Just common sense things that we forget to do when we’re stressed or busy or enjoying the party.”
DIANE GOTTSMAN
owner of the Protocol School of Texas
“The office holiday party is often for just the office. If they don’t have it on the invite, do not ask. Do not say, ‘Hey, can I bring a date?’ Because that puts them in an awkward situation. Plus one is not an option if it’s not on the invitation.”
On the open bar: “Just because your boss is drinking like a fish, you don’t need to keep up with him. You need to maintain your composure because you have to be responsible for your behavior.”
