Over the years I’ve helped organize many corporate Christmas parties.  Christmas parties can great. Or they can be not so great. It often depends on the behavior of the invitees — be they staff, management or clients.

Even in our fast paced world, etiquette is still important. But that doesn’t mean you have to act like Miss Manners.  A common-sense approach to managing your behavior is often all you need to have an enjoyable and stress free time. If there are corporate parties on your agenda this holiday season, here are some business etiquette do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

Party Do’s:

* Mingle with everyone first. Don’t head directly to the bar or buffet table as soon as you arrive.
* Any clients you invite are your responsibility; make sure you introduce them to others. Keep your right hand free to shake hands.
* Try to speak to every person in the room, if only to wish them happy holidays. Keep in mind that some people don’t celebrate Christmas.
* Make conversation with your boss’ spouse. In fact, be friendly with everyone’s significant other. They’ll remember your kindness and courtesy and may prove influential in your future career.
* Avoid talking shop with co-workers.
* Watch your language. Avoid foul language, vulgar terms and inappropriate topics. Limit jokes to people you already know. Test a few on your friends beforehand.
* The corporate party may offer a chance to chat with the CEO or other senior managers you don’t speak with often. Consider what you will say if the opportunity arises.
* Mind your manners
* Have fun and be a good sport.

Party Don’ts:
* The blow-off: The biggest error is not going to a party that is a “must-attend” event. If you do that, you show disrespect for your company, your supervisors and your colleagues. That’s a career-killer.
* Forgetting the boss is watching: senior managers pay attention to how people handle themselves at corporate events. They might not know your name, but they will remember your face.
* T-shirts and sandals: inappropriate dress at an office party draws attention, but the wrong kind. The goal is to display professional qualities, not show how funky or daring you are. Avoid clothing that’s too tight or revealing; it’s a party, but they’re still your co-workers.
* The business-talking bore: Some young professionals let ambition drive them. They don’t know how to enjoy conversation unless it is about business. They become bores whom bosses avoid.
* Me, me, me: Self-centred professionals will have trouble working in teams with others and co-workers and bosses pick up on this.
* Who’s the boss?: It is amazing, but some professionals do not introduce themselves to senior managers at a company party. They are afraid of what a boss might think or they don’t realise the importance of a face-to-face meeting. They should not be surprised when bosses ignore them when it comes time for advancement.
* Hanky-panky: No longer is an office party an excuse for employees to become intimate. Now it means sexual harassment charges and dismissal for one or both individuals.
* Drinking to excess at a company party will kill a career instantly. Don’t have more than two alcoholic beverages or better yet, don’t drink at all.