Women at Work: Holiday Parties Can Be Treacherous

Holiday parties for work. Do you love 'em or hate 'em? Do you attend for the food?

The entertainment (planned and unplanned)? Or taking the opportunity to get to know someone just a little bit better? Or, do you feign sickness, an accident or a "family emergency" the day of so you don't have to go

I have worked enough different jobs in my adult life to know some holiday parties are awesome and some are nightmares.

As much as party attendees would like to say their company's holiday parties are a place to let loose and have fun, just as many would say the opposite. Let's be honest, these parties are really a business event. Albeit there usually is good food, people are dressed up a tad, and a few drinks are allowed, it still is a business function.

picture: http://www.queenieaustralia.com/green-bridesmaid-dresses

It is a good idea to always attend your holiday party, fun or not. Most companies "suggest" attendance, but absences are most always noticed. To put it in a business sense, don't let those who planned the party and those at the helm of the company think you aren't a team player. Get dressed and get there. Use the opportunity to network and talk with as many co-workers as you can. It doesn't hurt to say "Happy Holidays" to everyone.

What it comes to dressing for the party, take your time and pick out something nice. Holey jeans and a flannel don't fit that bill. Let me add this, save your low-cut dress, short skirt and high heels for a different function. Every office has a person or two who dresses over the top or inappropriately. Don't be that one!

Let's talk cocktails. Most attendees enjoy a cocktail or two over the course of the party, and that is completely acceptable. However, there are a handful of people who do not know the definition of "moderation." he same idea goes for the food. This is not the time to pile two plates high and double fist your drinks for several hours. Doing that is nothing less than career suicide, and I...