Love them or hate them, the company party is often a ‘must attend’ holiday event.

From the new employee who may feel overwhelmed to the spouse who could care less about your colleague’s cats, LocalWork.com Founder Ryan Naylor offers advice to help everyone survive – and even have fun!

Do get the scoop early

  • Find out how casual or formal the event is and plan your dress accordingly. While it’s a party, it’s still a business environment. Nothing too tight, short or revealing and absolutely no mistletoe.
  • If it’s your first company party, ask colleagues what to expect. It’s always better to leave a conservative impression than being remembered as the guy who showed up wearing reindeer antlers, drank too much and revealed his crush on the CEO.

Do check the guest list

  • While most companies will include spouses or significant others, it’s always best to ask if it’s unclear. Never bring uninvited guests.

Do some prep

  • Be ready for small talk. Scan local news websites for the latest headlines.
  • Avoid potentially controversial subjects like politics and religion. Sports, weather and movies are generally safer topics.
  • If you don’t know what to talk about, just ask other people questions about their jobs and what they like to do outside the office.
  • If you’re an introvert, stick with the colleagues you know so you can converse more easily.

Do arrive on time

  • If the party includes a seated meal, get there before it’s served.
  • If the party is casual and runs more than an hour or two, you can arrive after it begins, but avoid showing up 20 minutes before it ends just to make an appearance.  You also want to avoid being the one they have to kick out the door after closing.

Don’t go overboard

  • If you’re a drinker, limit yourself to two.

Do some networking –especially if you don’t like your job.

  • Introduce yourself to senior executives, quickly explain what you do and compliment the party.
  • Avoid ‘selling’ yourself. If you’re angling for a raise or promotion, discuss that at the office.
  • If you’re hoping this is your last holiday party with this company, you should be mingling even more. You never know who you’ll meet or what career opportunities you’ll discover.

Do give some thought before giving gifts

  • Ask your colleagues or HR if there is a gift giving policy.
  • Be conscious of people’s religious and cultural values along with their health and financial issues. You don’t want to give homemade bread to someone who avoids gluten and you don’t want to ask someone to chip in $10 for a gift if they’re financially struggling or don’t participate in holiday gifts.
  • Unless it’s a company organized event, consider giving gifts outside the office or in a private location. Avoid giving co-workers anything too personal like undergarments or cologne. Movie tickets, a picture frame and restaurant gift cards are more appropriate.