8 Company Holiday Party Etiquette Tips

PLYMOUTH, MI — 'Tis the season for the company holiday party and subsequent company holiday party etiquette disasters. Do I give my boss a gift? What the heck should I say to my co-worker's spouse? How much eggnog can I knock back? Wait, is eggnog even allowed?

Marci Lash to the etiquette rescue! Lash is the CEO of the Contemporary Etiquette Institute in Washtenaw County, Michigan. The impeccable Lash is a formally certified etiquette expert and has organized lavish events at places ranging from the White House to the Detroit Institute of Arts to the Kentucky Derby. Lash's client list includes Morgan Stanley, Deloitte and Federal Express - and she has even worked with former Vice President Al Gore.

Lash shared with Patch her top tips to help you confidently navigate - and actually enjoy - the company holiday party.

1. No matter how scrumptious that cheese platter is, you don't want to be camped out there all night with a toothpick. Lash suggests, "Eat a little something before you go, even if there will be food there. You don't want to go ravenous because then you're ready to chew off your own arm."

2. How much eggnog is fair game at the company party? Lash suggests "Limit yourself to two drinks and I always say do sparkling water in between a cocktail."

3. The secret to small-talk: Simply be kind. Lash says, "Make sure the other person is comfortable. You want to ask about them. Don't make it 'I, I, I.' Holiday parties are an extension of the office and they're about the company, not you."

4. Mistletoe at the company party is a no-go. Even if it is your creative ploy to get a kiss from your office crush! Lash says, "Mistletoe is great and beautiful but keep it at home. At a company party, that would become awkward and uncomfortable and can go bad in so many ways."

5. If the company party is at someone's home, bring a hostess gift. Lash explains, "It's always appreciated and can be something small like a box of chocolates. Or it can be a candle. I get no plugs from this but I love Thymes Fraser Fir candles. Even my husband likes the smell of them and doesn't think they're stinky candles. I stay away from flowers, because you show up at the door with the flowers and then the hostess has to find a vase and cut them. You want something simple."

6. Part II of attending the company party at someone's home: Write a thank you. Lash points out, "People are entertaining less at home these days, so you are recognizing that."

7. Here's a big one: Should you get your boss a gift? No. Lash says "Sorry, bosses! It's always appreciated when bosses get things but it is not necessary and not expected and not protocol. If you're close, personal friends, you could get something but don’t make it about the dollar amount. For me, I spend a lot of time in my kitchen so I would gift a boss I was close, personal friends with something from my kitchen. Like chocolate bark."

8. Lash's final suggestion for company holiday parties: "Overall, it's about being kind, making the other person comfortable, know your limits with food and alcohol and have fun. Enjoy the moments of the season. Give yourself some down time. It will help you be your best self."

For more etiquette instruction with Lash, check out her Facebook page.

Photo by Leyla.A via Flickr