Here it is holiday time again, and while Ms. Abby and Manners takes care of our social etiquette I d like to share some practical tips for business holiday parties. Here are some DO S . Attend the Event: It s an unspoken expectation that showing up may not be mandatory or can it be required, but attending isn t really optional. That is if you want to be working there next year. If you RSVP by all means ATTEND: Many business functions are paid on the basis of the number who attend, and that is calculated by the number of RSVP s. Mingle, Mix, and Move: Talk to different people and learn something new. Don t stick with your usual watercooler pals. Pay Attention to Start and End Times on the Invitation: This is there for a reason, and you don t want to overstay your welcome. Remember that Any Business Party is Really a Business Event: Although it might be outside the standard office meeting and be accompanied with food and beverage, the same rules of conduct apply. Limit Gift Giving: Colleagues will often feel obligated to give gifts in return for receiving gifts. If you do give, give from the heart and keep it simple, and priced at a minimum. Dress Appropriately and Professionally: All eyes are not meant to be on you, and this is not the time for provocative dress. Lean toward the conservative or classic look. Give Thank-You s: When appropriate write either a note of thanks, or if at a private home tell the host/hostess in person that you enjoyed the celebration. Now for the Don ts .. Say yes to a Blind Date: You don t know who the person is or who he/she might know. Rule of thumb when in doubt, go stag. Be Flirtatious or Get Frisky: This is crossing the line of appropriate and adult behavior at a business event. Drink Too Much: it s not worth taking the chance that you ll say something you wish you hadn t. Rule of thumb is- limit yourself to 2 drinks. Talk All Business: BORING!! After all it is a social gathering. The guests are supposed to have fun, get to know each other, and have a different experience outside of daily office routine. Prospect for New Business: TACKY!! Assume Everyone Celebrated the Same Holiday: If you say Merry Christmas to someone who doesn t observe the holiday it might offend them. Be generic and say Happy Holidays. Give Gag Gifts: This is not the place to risk offending or embarrassing someone. Gossip: Gossiping in any situation is usually damaging and not a good practice, but it s especially not appropriate at a business-related event. Hopefully with these tips under your belt, your appearance at you next business holiday event will go successfully. The majority of business professionals know these things, but there s always some newcomers to the firm who may not be as seasoned as some of us.