From Wayne Parker,
Your Guide to Fatherhood.
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'Tis the season to be jolly? In many cases, the holidays are a time to make merry, to be fun and fanciful, to celebrate. But the business holiday party is NOT a time to let loose. Even though these social settings often involve music, alcohol and casual dress, don't be deceived by the trappings. Office parties are still business functions, and your behavior still needs to be moderate and controlled in order for this function to be a successful experience.

From a variety of sources and experiences, here are the top eight tips for ensuring a successful experience at the office holiday party.

1. Treat the members of the opposite sex respectfully.Traditionally, the workplace was a male bastion, and office parties with women tended to encourage certain forms of behavior. In an era with more women in the workplace and awareness of sexual harassment issues, the treatment of party attendees who are not of your gender has become more critical. Jokes and comments that are unacceptable in the workplace are still not acceptable at an office party. And certainly, be cautious of body contact-touching in inappropriate ways at a party is still inappropriate.

2. Drink in moderation (or not at all).Keep alcohol consumption at a bare minimum. Avoiding it altogether is a safe approach. Coiffing soft drinks or non-alcoholic punch is an acceptable alternative in an era of recovery. And you will keep you wits about you and avoid behavior that you would never consider when sober. However, if you feel a need to drink in moderation, then eat a little before you arrive at the party to minimize the effects of the alcohol.

3. Eat carefully.Don't make a bee line for the food table when you arrive. Socialize along the way. And avoid salty, greasy or sweet foods as they tend to make you thirsty and thus giving you an excuse to drink. Choose foods rich in starch and protein instead.

4. Dress appropriately.If the party is after hours, verify with the hosts what sort of dress will be appropriate. If the party is formal, secure formal wear-rent a tux or a gown. If business casual is the style, avoid tee shirts and jeans. And above all, leave the showy or revealing clothing for other social settings; it does not belong at the office party.

5. Arrive on time.Punctuality is important at a business social occasion. You communicate disrespect and disregard for others if you are late. If the party is at a location with which you are not familiar, get directions ahead of time.

6. Remember, the party is a social occasion.Be certain that you take the opportunity to visit with your coworkers and clients and express appreciation for their efforts at helping you during the year. Especially seek out those who worked with you on important projects during the year. The holidays are a time to feel and express gratitude, not to act petulantly and selfishly. Share your appreciation.

7. Make introductions effective.When introduced to someone (a spouse or an employee you don't know), take the opportunity to look them in the eye, repeat their name, and offer a polite but firm handshake. No bone crushers! In addition, in a setting where you don't know too many people and might have lots of introductions, keep your right hand free-eat with your left.

8. Treat spouses as people.The temptation at office parties is to ignore the spouses of your coworkers or clients. When spouses are involved, treat them respectfully. Ask about their lives and interests. Being ignored as an office spouse makes both the spouse and the coworker feel uncomfortable. Be a little sensitive to their plight-they may know very few people in this setting and feel uncomfortable.

Any behavior at an office party will help distinguish you, whether positively or negatively. Many careers have been ruined by inappropriate behavior at an office party. By following common sense and remembering above all that an office party is a business function, you can ensure that you send the right message and make it a career building rather than a career crippling experience.