Office party etiquette

Beware the day after...

The annual Christmas knees-up - love it or hate, there's an unwritten code of conduct that applies. Here's how to get through it without making a faux pas that will have you cringing for months.

Dress to impress

The party's a chance to wear what you like, but be aware of the impression you put across. For women, wearing your most revealing outfit might not be quite right if your senior managers, CEO and clients are present. And men, leave that favourite white shirt at home - it will inevitably attract an inexplicable number of food and drink spillages.

The food monster

Don't be the one that lurks by the buffet table and is always seen with some form of deep-fried pastry in their hand. It means you're not mingling with your colleagues, are quite possibly eating everyone else's share of the food and have more chance of having spinach in your teeth when you do decide to branch out. And whatever you do, never double-dip your food!

"I really fancy you..."

The office party is the perfect opportunity to chat up that colleague you've fancied for months. But don't get too drunk beforehand as you'll most likely say something cringe-worthy, not realise they're not interested in you and end up monopolising them all night, scuppering their chances of getting together with the person they did fancy. And blame you for it.