Little Hostess

Surviving Holiday Parties

Mailboxes begin filling up with piles of party invitations once the holiday season kicks into full gear. The holiday office party is fraught with potential pitfalls, but some are low key like a holiday open house, and some may be formal as well. You will be able to survive your holiday parties in style and even have fun doing so by learning these valuable tips!

One of the most serious and important types of holiday parties is the famous office party. Many people tend to see the line between social and business as very blurry. Every year, there is someone who has one too many cups of eggnog and ends up photocopying parts of their body and don’t let that person be you! You should dress and act for the party as if you are approaching it as work. Choose festive attire that is not revealing, such as a pair of velvet trousers and a beaded sweater with a pretty pair of pearl earrings. Avoiding miniskirts and low-cut blouses is a great way to look very polished and that is how it should always be. Flirting with your boss, getting drunk, or anything else that will have you embarassed on Monday monring at work are not allowed!

One of the most easy and laid back types of holiday parties is the holiday open house. Guests can stop in for as long as or as short as they prefer because at these types of parties, there is always a window of severeal hours during which guests can do this. For a holiday open house party, festive daytime attire is the most appropriate. A pair of crystal and pearl earrings worn with a cashmere sweater or silk blouse would be lovely. At this casual sort of party, rules are few, other than do not show up empty handed. Always bring a little hostess gift for the people throwing the party. It could be a Christmas cactus, a bottle of Bailey’s, or a set of guest towels embroidered with a holiday motif. You should always remember to say hello to the hosts when you arrive and goodbye to them when you leave.

            Holiday dinners or brunches are also very popular during the Christmas season. Depending on who is hosting the holiday party, the degree of formality can vary greatly. For a brunch, a wool skirt with a pretty blouse or sweater worn with pearl earrings would be lovely. When attending a holiday dinner party, dress can range from a beaded cocktail dress to jeans and a sparkly top, depending on your circle of friends. Sometimes these events are held as potlucks, but even if they are not, the polite guest brings a little something to the party. Its best to bring a gift that the hosts aren’t required to open immediately so that they can enjoy the party and enjoy the gift later. A nice bottle of wine, a homemade dessert, or a great scented candle would all fit the bill. If you bring a gift of food, do not be offended if it is not served at the holiday dinner, because the chances are that the hosts have already planned for the entire menu.

            Family gatherings are another common type of holiday party. The good thing about getting together with family is that you will more than likely know what is appropriate to wear. You know better than anyone else if your family is a velvet dress and pearl earring type or a jeans and sweater type. These types of holiday parties can become stressful quick because of family drama. This year, resolve to take the high road and refuse to be drawn into any long-standing family conflicts. Make your intentions known at the beginning of the party, and if anyone tries to make you take sides, announce that you are there to celebrate, not to referee. Then you can just enjoy your time celebrating the holidays with your family with no conflict at all.

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