How To Survive The Office Christmas Party

We’ve all heard the stories of company parties gone wild – some of us have lived it. While the memories of the night will fade, if they’re even there, the long-term after-effects could come back to haunt you.

The answer? Make your office Christmas party memorable for all the right reasons this year. Our survival guide is here to help your event go off without any major disasters.

From what to eat and drink, to small talk - and even how to dance, Fluid Branding brings you the ultimate office Christmas party survival toolkit…

Dress to Impress

Make a memorable entrance at the office Christmas party for all the right reasons. Don't wear something too revealing or crazy – unless, of course, it’s part of the party’s theme.

To get a good idea of what to wear on the night, find out the plan for the event. Are you heading straight home afterwards or hitting the clubs? The best advice we can give is to wear something smart casual with your own unique style.

Don’t Over Indulge

Everyone loves a good Christmas spread and it’s a great idea to make sure you eat before heading out on a big night out. However, it’s worth noting that if you overindulge in the Christmas treats and all its trimmings then you could end up feeling bloated and in no mood to party.

Wanna squeeze into that little black number, or ensure that your suit doesn't split on the dancefloor later? Some Christmas foods (like turkey) are very rich and heavy and can leave you with a Santa-esque belly. If you’re planning to mingle and chat – or hoping to catch Dave from the copy room under the mistletoe – do yourself a favour and stay away from the garlic. If you do decide to go in for a kiss, remember that work colleagues aren’t just for Christmas…

Pace Yourself

While the office Christmas party is about letting loose and celebrating, it’s important to pace yourself. Being sick on your boss will certainly make you memorable. Think to yourself ‘Is that Jager Train really essential?’. There’s no point being the life and soul of the party at 7pm and then having to sprint to the toilets soon after to throw up your Christmas dinner.

Some companies provide a free bar at their parties, but remember that just because the drinks are flowing it doesn’t mean you need to drink them all. Try to stick to the same drink all night; shots, champers and cocktails are not a fantastic combination if you want to feel half decent the next day.

Avoid Office Politics

Christmas parties have to potential to make or break your career. You may have your glad rags on but, essentially, office etiquette still stands. Make the most of the event and try to socialise with everyone rather than sticking to your usual workmates like glue.

It’s really important to avoid talking about work. Talking about people behind their back, bickering or telling your boss the error of their ways is only going to end badly.

Don’t Splash the Cash

It’s the season to be jolly, not skint. As much as it’s nice to spread the Christmas cheer, you’re not obliged to buy anyone else’s drinks – unless you’re the boss, of course!

Try to plan ahead of time how much you will need for the night. You can always withdraw your cash before you go out and leave your card at home so that you can’t go over your budget. If you’re partial to some cheesy chips on the way home or just peace of mind in case you need a last-minute taxi, you can always stash a contingency fund in your pocket or bag.

Stay Safe

When the festive fun ends, it’s important to make sure that you get home safe. Book your taxi in advance or arrange a lift home with a friend or family member. If the party is out of town, it might be worth staying over a hotel or at one of your friends’.

It’s also a great idea to have a buddy system so that you and your work colleagues let each other when you get home safe.

Get In Touch

If you’re looking for ways to spruce up the office this festive season or spread the Christmas cheer with your clients, take a look at our wide range of branded Christmas products.