Skip to main content

The Survival Guide: Office Holiday Parties

Holiday time in the office is always so great. The company Christmas tree. The Christmas music. Everyone is excited for their travel plans and family time. And of course, we cannot forget the numerous holiday parties and luncheons taking place between November and December. It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Whether you're new to a company's holiday culture or a veteran in the game, company holiday gatherings can be a bit overwhelming if you have multiple to attend and keep up with. From planning, attending, and adding your name the potluck sign up sheet, it is very easy to get events confused while trying to keep up with party planners and ensure that you're taking a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Check out the following tips to get you thru the holiday parties this year!


  • Join a Committee  Believe it or not, joining a committee is a great way to get involved and excited for the holiday office party. Whether it be decorating, catering or cleaning, lending a helping hand is a way to show your holiday spirit and an even better way to network with you coworkers. Do an awesome job and you could make a great impression going into the new year. Promotion anyone?
  • Take a Dish, Check it Twice  Many holiday luncheons are potlucks and it's highly suggested that attendees bring a dish - while it is easy to bring tableware and utensils, food is always priority. Don't shy away from taking a dish that will keep the office talking! I have found it best to make a crock pot side that I can set up in the break room in the morning that will be ready by lunch. No time to plan and cook? No worries - store bought desserts are always a great go to. Be sure all cooked food is well done and packaged food is sealed tight!
  • Respond to the Invite Request  Most holiday parties rely heavily on the RSVP list to keep track of how many will be attending, eating, bringing a dish and the list goes on. A lot of people showing up without properly accepting the invitation could result in there not being enough food or space to accommodate everyone. If you are unsure, tentatively accept the invite and as it gets closer to the date, confirm your attendance with the host!
  • Have Fun, but Keep it Professional  Office holiday parties are definitely a chance to put work on the back burner for the allotted time, get to know your coworkers and eat yummy comfort food. Though it is a time to socialize, it is still a work event. Be sure to keep work policies at the forefront. Be sure to watch your alcohol consumption should it be served, follow the company dress code policy and no...a mistletoe is not an excuse to make a move on any one of your coworkers!
  • Get in the Spirit  As corny as it might sound at first, office holiday functions can actually be fun! Whether its a simple potluck luncheon or a fancy holiday party event, it's a great way to network, step away from the stress of work and simply have a good time. Get in the spirit and celebrate the accomplishments of the year!
Holiday work functions can be overwhelming, however, they don't have to be. With some planning, organizing and a little getting involved, you'll be in the spirit and ready to mingle with your team! Have fun and enjoy!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Vital For Survival: Quality Time With Your Girls & Why It Matters

It is the story line women of all ages are familiar with. One moment you and your girls are brunching it up every weekend, partying at the hottest clubs, getting together once a week for TGIT and planning vacays one year after the next and the next thing you know time passes by and weekly plans turn into IG comments, unanswered text messages and the only time you see one another is when one of your children has a birthday party. Many things can cause time and distance to separate friend groups from other another such as careers, romantic relationships, children and dream chasing to, unfortunately, unresolved issues. No matter what the cause may be, it is important to resolve matters quickly and keep your girls as important figures in your life. This can be seen in the movie Girls Trip . Four friends get together for a long overdue weekend in New Orleans for the Essence Festival. I saw the movie with my girls and was reminded why making time for your friends is vital for survival.

Fall Favorites That I'm Ready For!

via GIPHY It's that time of year again! Every year I am excited for Summer weather for about a moth and before I know it,  I am counting down to the days when I will be able to wear over-sized sweaters, eat bowls of warm goodness and watch the leaves go thru a dramatic change. It's safe to say I have had Fall Fever since about July 4th and boy am I ready for the season to take it's full affect. There are so many favorites that I have already started enjoying. Check them out below! Bowls of soup and chili via GIPHY Oh yes, soup! From chilli, to chicken noodle, broccoli cheddar and a spicy gumbo, I love a big bowl of comfort food. While one can eat soup in the summer months (I'm sure Panera Bread didn't miss a beat), nothing compares to soup in the fall. Kick off the season by dusting off the Crock Pot - or finally buying one - and trying out some amazingly easy recipes! This year I plan on mastering white bean chicken chilli. Yum! Boots via

Self Care Sundays: Cleaning Therapy

Cleaning. Doing chores. Tidying up. The one thing no one really likes to do but needs to do if they don't want critters, dirt and other scary things they can't see invading their space. It's usually last on our to do list and "put off" until the next day or the weekend, almost like a Saturday morning ritual: wake up, turn on some music, and let the scent of lemon, pine sol and happiness fill your home and lift you up! Cleaning the house does not have to be dreadful or put off until the last minute or right before company comes over. It doesn't have to be labeled "women's work" or frowned upon. Believe it or not, cleaning your space/home can be very therapeutic. Think about it - you're focused, working towards an end goal of clean and spotlessness, and, when done with intentions, you can clean your stress away as you move from one living area to the next! Here's how... Clean with a purpose. Of course the reason why we clean is to ma