The #HolidaysAreIn! And this year, LinkedIn is celebrating at http://lnkd.in/holidays. Join us for '12 Days of Content' fun from December 1-December 12. ‘Tis the season for ugly sweaters, the big man in red, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and of course the annual company holiday party. It’s that time of year when sales and marketing teams get together to relax, celebrate, and have some fun. Although technically a party, it’s no time to channel your inner Animal House toga days. We have all heard the horror stories about that one employee, in that one instance during a company holiday soiree, so it’s never too late for a quick refresher on how to be a good guest, while maintaining a standard of professionalism, at your company’s holiday party—or any company party for that matter! Enjoy this sophisticated guide from LinkedIn with 10 tips to seriously rocking your holiday party.

1. The Sophisticated Marketer’s Guide to
Rocking Your Holiday Party
10 Tips for Being a Good Guest
‘Tis the season for ugly sweaters, the big man in red, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and of course the annual company
holiday party. It’s that time of year when sales and marketing teams get together to relax, celebrate, and have some fun.
Although technically a party, it’s no time to channel your inner Animal House toga days. We have all heard the horror stories
about that one employee, in that one instance during a company holiday soiree, so it’s never too late for a quick refresher on
how to be a good guest, while maintaining a standard of professionalism, at your company’s holiday party—or any company party
for that matter!
Play the name game,
in your head!
Forgetting names is a common
problem, but also costly if it prevents
you from approaching an unfamiliar
colleague or their spouse.
A good guest mixes and mingles.
Try to talk about something besides
work; it can be quite refreshing. Stick
to topics that can keep the
conversation rolling such as music,
movies, television shows, art openings,
content marketing (kidding, but not
really), and favorite restaurants
around town.
Heed the advice from a classic Seinfeld
episode. When you double dip, “that’s
like putting your whole mouth right in
the dip. When you take a chip, just take
one dip and end it.”
It’s not always the best idea to offer up
a random toast, but if the moment
strikes and you are a host of sorts,
check out Entrepreneur’s Guide to
Giving a Good Toast.
If you have a tendency to overindulge,
limit yourself to 2-3 drinks tops, and
drink water or club soda in between
alcoholic beverages.
A wise man once said “Relationships
are a two-way street, not a highway and
a bike path.” It’s important to join the
conversation, but be sure to listen to
what others have to say as well.
Enough said.
Arrive within the first half hour and
don’t be the last man standing. You
don’t have to be the first one in the
door, and you certainly don’t want to
be the last one out the door. Plan to
stay at least a half hour (minimum) but
try for a full hour (optimal).
It’s a holiday party, not a Night at the
Roxbury. If you wouldn’t visit your
mother wearing it, don’t punish your
co-workers with distracting or
distasteful outfits that might incite an
HR violation.
Chances are you have an employee
who knows a thing or two about
photography. Ask them to take a few
shots of your holiday party to share
with the staff. It also makes great
content for sharing on your company
blog and other social networks.
Have any tips to add? What is your company doing for this year’s holiday party?
Tell us with #holidaysarein
Make a good toast.
Don’t overdo it on the booze.
Don’t hover in the corner.
Don’t double dip.
Don’t dominate the conversation.
Put down the smartphone.
Ding dong merrily on time.
Dress accordingly.
Enlist a photographer.
These tips originally appeared on the Marketo blog:
http://blog.marketo.com/2011/12/company-holiday-party-etiquette-10-tips-for-being-a-good-guest.html