Tips for the Christmas party in the company

Every year again: The Christmas party in your company is just around the corner and you are already thinking about how you just do not fumble in the faux pas. Because at a Christmas party there are many: Who do I greet first: the boss or my colleagues? Where do I sit down when there are no place cards? And what topics can I talk about at a Christmas party? Those who do not know the answers to these questions urgently need some good tips. Because without the right tips, the Christmas party can be embarrassing. So that you shine on the next Christmas party and charmingly avoid all lurking follies, there are the best tips for the next Christmas party.

As co-founder of the training institute, Christina Tabernig has been offering coachings and seminars on "business etiquette" since 2003.



The performance: Who do I greet first?

At the beginning of the Christmas party it is usually quite formal. The staff are in small groups and chat. Little by little, the latecomers dawdle. And in the first few minutes often arises the first tricky situation: Who do I greet first? The supervisor or my trusted roommate? "Normally you should start with the highest ranked person, first say 'hello' to your boss, who eventually invited you, then work your way through to the lowest on the Christmas party," advises Christina Tabernig. Of course you should not walk through the rooms in a zigzag course. It's best to go from one round to the next. If there are people of equal rank at the Christmas party, welcome the woman first.



The aperitif: Where should I sit?

If there are no name cards on the tables and a supervisor does not explicitly assign you a seat, the chair selection is free. It makes sense not to sit next to your favorite colleagues. Take the opportunity to talk to people you do not see often in everyday office life. Find a place in a round that you like. When choosing a theme there is a lot to consider: Whether the new employee is worth his salary, your love life, your husband's nail fungus infection or criticism of the executive floor have nothing to do at Christmas parties. Chatter about the holiday, the weather or the latest Hollywood movie.

The main course: what can I order?

If you order à la carte, you should orientate yourself on what your colleagues choose, depending on the number of dishes and the price of the selected dishes. Often the host suggests some dishes. It will tell you how much your food should cost. If your boss orders appetizer, entree and medium-price dessert, you should opt out of your seven-course "De Luxe" menu. Even if the idea of ​​goose foie gras on champagne jelly with white truffle makes your mouth water. In the drink choice, however, there is no peer pressure. "You can order beer or wine, even if you have an anti-alcoholic boss," says the acting expert. It is only triggered in small rounds. For large celebrations, one wishes only "for the good", the host first, then the round. Eye contact and a smile also create sympathy.

When all have their plates, the boss gives the start signal by reaching for knife and fork. "If the courts are only gradually coming, a good host will suggest to start, and you can accept the offer," says Christina Tabernig. On the "good appetite" in business life - and thus also on Christmas parties - completely omitted. If the service "Good appetite" wishes, thank you politely. If you do not like the duck, you do not have to eat your plate. If it is inedible, you can complain.

Many parties offer a buffet. Even if the sight is so tempting that you would like to try each plate immediately on the first run: pay close attention to the food sequence. In the first course, there are only cold appetizers, the second soup, then the main course and only at the end the dessert. You are welcome to go to the buffet more often, even if you do that ten times, it would not violate the rules of manners. Vollgerürmte plates look embarrassing.

After eating, lay the knife and fork on the plate. The attentive service will clear it up immediately. New crockery and cutlery is waiting at the buffet. If you dropped the napkin from the lap to the floor when getting up, you do not have to crawl under the table. Ask the staff if they can get a fresh napkin. "If you have the opportunity, you can discreetly stick the cloth on the waistband, then it will not slip away so quickly," recommends the expert.



The espresso: what to do with intrusive colleagues?

While you are still waiting for your espresso, your neighbor has reached his sixth beer. At the same time, the otherwise accurate gentleman seems to have discovered his funny streak. You, however, find his loud behavior less funny. They think about pointing out that he should stop drinking. "That is by no means yours!" Warns the expert. If your neighbor becomes increasingly intrusive, you should ignore him, as politely as possible. Talk demonstratively with other people. So you put him diplomatically and without much attention in his place. If necessary, change the seat. Apologize to your neighbors and say you still need to speak with a colleague.

Smokers are not allowed to smoke cigarettes during meals, this also applies between courses. Only when the table neighbors are done with the dessert, you can ask if you are allowed to smoke.

Often there is an entertainment program. Some colleagues make funny speeches, others encourage silly games. Likewise volunteers from the audience are sought. If prompted, think about whether you actually reject it. You must expect to capture the reputation of a spoilsport. Even if the program is boring and you are tired, you should not leave immediately after dessert. "Give yourself a good hour after your meal, then you can say goodbye without being rude," Christina Tabernig recommends. Before leaving, you should say goodbye to your host. While thanking you for the invitation, your tipsy boss suddenly becomes confident and offers you or you a salary increase. Do not rejoice too early, what is still valid at the Christmas party, is often forgotten the next day.

One Mojito, two white wines, three Jägermeister and a Cuba Libre later ...

... you have stepped into the biggest fad: the alcohol trap. You must never forget that you are under constant observation. Staggering through the rooms certainly does not make a good impression. As the alcohol level increases, so does the inhibition threshold. Embarrassments can happen like this: They think you are Shakira, and put a corresponding belly-dance performance on the floor. It does not have to be in front of colleagues, so: think beforehand if there should be one more glass.

The day after: Overplay the embarrassment?

Even if, in the worst case, you do not know how you got home: simply not getting sick is not possible. A cold shower and aspirin often work wonders. And comfort yourself, your colleagues are not feeling much better either.

Wait for your boss to speak to you. If he stays with you, you may join. Otherwise, pretend that nothing has happened. Even with the salary increase. When asked about your Shakira performance, stay calm and say that you are sorry that you have noticed something and that you hope not to offend anyone. "If you had actually hurt someone or caused harm, you would have to apologize," says the expert. In a harmless case, however, you can play the faux pas down easily. Just tell your favorite colleague that the misstep is very embarrassing for you. She will make it clear to the others. As long as you have to wait and hope that grass grows over the thing. Just like the accurate gentleman at the end of the hall who flinches slightly at the thought of yesterday with embarrassment.

How To Behave At The Office Christmas Party (March 2024).



Christmas party, Christmas party, behavior, etiquette