Holiday party etiquette: the dos and don'ts of hosting a successful year-end corporate celebration

South Florida CEO, Dec, 2007 by Yeleny Suarez

COME DECEMBER, many companies dig into their budgets for a holiday party. Basics such as gift giving, displays of holiday decor and what is on the menu can make or break an office celebration. Larry A. Rice, dean of academic affairs at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami, says the most popular yet socially exclusive holiday happens to be Christmas.

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"Christmas parties can be promoted without the religious, holiday-specific messages that may make guests feel excluded," Rice says. He adds that you should have a variety of decorations and food selections, "taking into account that many segments of the population will not eat certain types of foods based on their traditions."

A CEO should mingle effectively without making any employees feel left out. Though the temptation of talking to some guests longer than others may surface, Jackie Ducci, president of Washington-based The Perfect Event LLC, says the trick is to make a personal connection, however brief, with each guest. "This behavior leaves everyone feeling that his or her presence was acknowledged and appreciated," she says. Rice agrees, further cautioning that "many bosses use company parties to ask employees how work is going.... This is a big no-no as it could open up doors of conversations that would change the mood and intent of the party," he says. Instead, he suggests you discuss their holiday and summer plans.

To take some pressure off the CEO, Suzanne Bates, the author of "Speak Like a CEO: Secrets of Commanding Attention and Getting Results" and CEO of Boston-based Bates Communications, suggests enlisting the whole executive team to circulate the room. Bates also recommends having a list of go-to questions that would ignite a short but meaningful conversation. She believes executives can ask about work, but only in certain ways. For example, Bates considers it ok to ask an employee what her most interesting project is right now, or what he believes his best achievement was this year. "People jump at the opportunity to do a little bragging," she says.

Whatever their opinions about appropriate small talk, experts agree that responsible alcohol consumption is a key ingredient for a perfect night. CEOs who consider themselves social drinkers will naturally gravitate to the bar, Rice says, suggesting one or two glasses of wine during the evening should do. "Sip your drink as long as you can," he advises.

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Dos

* Be professional. Remember, this is a work function and proper decorum is expected.

* Always keep a hand free for a handshake.

* Attempt to speak with everyone at the party. Even a simple "Thank you, it has been a great year" goes a long way.

Don'ts

* Do not spend all evening talking business. This is your opportunity to network, using common interests outside the office.

* Avoid holiday-specific messages that could make some guests feel excluded.

Tips from Peter V. Handal, CEO of Dale Carnegie & Associates Inc., and Larry A. Rice, dean of academic affairs at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami.