You need to find out what the dress code is and stick to it, career coach Barbara Pachter previously told Business Insider. Pachter, the author of "The Essentials of Business Etiquette," said you don't want people talking about what you wore the day or night after the party. Whatever you wear, remember that it's still a business event.
Workplace expert Lynn Taylor told Business Insider that you might consider creating a goal to speak to at least three new people, or another metric that's easily reached but ensures you step out of your comfort zone.
Being too busy to mingle because you're chowing down dozens of mini-sandwiches isn't really the best recipe for inter-office networking. And, if you plan to drink, you might get more intoxicated than you intended if you're attending on an empty stomach.
You need to prepare yourself ahead of time by setting guidelines, whether that's one or two drinks max.
In other words, don't ask about that new position opening up or if you're eligible for a raise. It's tacky. Since it's an office event, it's obvious that some business-related conversations will come up, but don't come to the party with an agenda. On the flip side of things, avoid gossiping about your coworkers, too.
Politics, religion, race relations, and so on shouldn't be discussed at the work party.
Avoid public displays of affection, even if you're seeing someone in the office. It's also not the time to try to make a move on a coworker you've been crushing on, or to start trying to woo an employee you're meeting for the first time.
If you don't say your goodbyes, it will make it look like you snuck out for some reason. You can also make a point of going up to the people who organized the party and thanking them for doing such a great job.
It's a huge no-no to post negative opinions about your company or its holiday party on Facebook or Twitter. You'll also want to avoid posting photos or descriptions of coworkers who have had too much to drink.
Politics, religion, race relations, and so on shouldn't be discussed at the work party.