Avoid Office Holiday Party Fails

The annual office holiday party is a big deal. This is the chance to let loose and enjoy your coworkers’ company after hours. Sometimes you are allowed a plus-one, and deciding to bring one or not is a big deal. This is a chance for your significant other to meet the people who essentially see you the most. So do you bring them or not?

Office parties can be a blast with your significant other. (Photo: Thinkstock)

If given the option of a plus-one, always take it. You don’t want to hide your significant other from your coworkers, or make your significant other seem imaginary. Have them meet your coworkers and finally put a face to everyone you have told them about. But, obviously follow some guidelines.

Drink less

Sometimes in awkward situations, like meeting new people for the first time, people tend to drink alcohol to ease into the mood. That is fine when breaking the ice, just don’t drink too much! Being the drunk plus-one is terrible and will make your significant who actual otherly works there look bad. And vice versa. If you know your significant other isn’t going to drink much because they are a date, you shouldn’t either! Make it fair and agree on a drink limit beforehand so you have a plan.

Casual talk

Keep holiday party conversations light. Don’t bring up too much work, but don’t get too personal either. Think light and fluffy. Holiday party talk is fun and causal. Joke around and be entertaining, just don’t be the clown. You and your date want to be remembered as the fun ones who has their shit together.

Be bupportive

If you are the date, be supportive and try to let your significant other let loose with their coworkers. Encourage the company shot or offer to take the group picture. It is their time to bond after-hours, and you are there for the free food and drinks so help out when possible. And the other way around. If it is your holiday and you have a guest, attend to them too. Make them feel comfortable around your coworkers. Introduce them to everyone and make them feel included. They are there for you, but no one likes being the odd man out so make the situation as comfortable and fun as possible.

Loosen up with your date this office party. (Photo: 123rtf)

Company holiday parties are a fun time, and bringing a date can only make it better. Make your date feel included and welcomed. Basically be casual, but still professional to a degree. While letting loose is amazing, you don’t want to be remembered as the drunk couple at the party for the rest of the year.