Holiday Parties

From Dreaded To Enjoyable

Parties occur all the time, and they celebrate a variety of occasions. There are numerous and frequent parties, particularly during the Autumn and Winter Seasons. Invitations can arrive with such frequency that the enjoyment is drained from parties and they morph into dreaded chores. This quarter, we present three perspectives and seven tips to help you enjoy, rather than dread, “Holiday Parties”.

PARTY PERSPECTIVES

The Host/Hostess
If you want to host a Holiday Party, plan early. Consider your guest list, your budget and the site at which to hold the party. Home parties have the challenge of post-party clean up and the advantage of lower expenses. Public venues have the advantage of less work than a home party but require a larger investment. Weigh your options and choices, and match them to your guest list. Invite people who are enjoyable, and keep the time reasonable for your guests and for you. Refrain from being so busy that you are unable to enjoy the party. While you may be the host/hostess, you can hire a professional Event Planner to assist you with the planning and relieve you of the co-ordinating duties.

The Invitee
Respond promptly to all invitations as soon as possible. Remember, your host/hostess needs a head count to prepare adequately for the event. Do not feel obligated to attend if you prefer to decline. It is amazing how many people attend social events they dread because they are uncomfortable with saying “no thank you”.
If the party or dinner is one to which you believe you must attend even though you dread it, limit your time there. Limit the time you spend with people and in situations that do not allow you to enjoy the occasion – that includes family!

The Company Party
No matter when or where the “Company Party” occurs, act as though you are “on the clock”. If your action would be inappropriate at work, refrain from it at the Company Party. Take care with your behavior and your attire. Keep in mind that your guest will reflect upon you. Take precautions to avoid becoming the subject of negative conversation at work because of what occurred at the Company Party.
Some people are especially uncomfortable at the Company Party. Sometimes it’s the employee. More often, it’s the guest of the employee who dreads the occasion. Listed below are tips that will help you and your guest enjoy the next Company Party. They can also be applied to other social occasions.

PARTY TIPS

1. Limit “shop talk” to nine minutes, or eliminate it altogether.
2. Take the initiative to introduce your guest to your colleagues.
3. Initiate conversation with your colleague’s guest to invite him/her into the warmth of the Party.
4. Talk about universally enjoyable topics:
   Travel; favorite movie, actor, sports team, recipe; the upcoming sports championship.
5. Avoid conversations about children, pets, family issues, politics, religion – all of these are
   important topics that are worthy of discussion at a more appropriate time.
6. Try to greet as many people as possible before spending dedicated time with a few guests – this gives you the opportunity to meet others and have more fun.
7. Relax and enjoy the occasion.