December is everyone’s favorite month for many reasons. For me, the festivities and getting together with friends and family, amongst all, is definitely the biggest reason! Side note: I am hosting our first ever Friendsmas party in San Diego a week before Christmas this year. I will be sharing some decor, invite, and recipe prep details next week! But back on the original topic – for many of us working in the corporate 9-5 environment, it also means there might be a company holiday party coming up soon.
Earlier this week we discussed style faux-pas to avoid when it comes to what to wear to a company holiday party. Today, I have yet another classic piece to share with you that’s perfect to wear to a company holiday party by London Times. But on top of just outfits, I also rounded up some useful tips to make you enjoy the holiday party with coworkers more.
Jumpers make for great #girlboss outfits
Less feminine and conservative than dresses, jumpsuits by nature convey a bit more power and confidence. It’s modern, unconventional, and just a little different. I always feel like a big girl when I wear one. So if you’re in management, and wearing a skirt isn’t your thing, a jumpsuit might be just the outfit for you!
Here are a few other jumpsuit selections that will be perfect to wear to a company holiday parties.
Now that we have your outfit selection squared away, let’s talk about mentally preparing you for the company holiday party. We all know that the company holiday party basically a networking event. So, it means on top of socializing, you should probably watch how much you’re drinking and avoid topics like politics, money, and overly personal topics. But what CAN you talk about?
Be curious about the other person, and limit talking about yourself
A simple tip in having any good conversation is to ask about the person’s life whom you’re talking to. Get the other person to talk about himself /herself. Be curious about the person you’re speaking to if you’re starting a conversation. Reciprocate with your own stories but keep that to a minimal. The rule of thumb to keep talking about yourself under 20 seconds (according to the 20-second rule) and listen more than you talk.
Keep your cell phone out of sight
We all know the signal that you send when you decide to bury your face in your phone and not look up at people – “don’t talk to me” is what it is. But did you know that even having the phone near you even when it’s turned off, it’s still distracting enough to impair people’s decision making and problem-solving skills? Don’t succumb to the temptation of looking up the latest tweet or what your favorite Instagram star is doing. Stay in the present and enjoy – there’s a reason why it’s the “present”!
Prep your talking points
Always have topics ready in your back pockets. For this time of the year, you can ask “Are you done with all the Christmas shopping?” or “Planning any fun trips anytime soon?” One question that worked really well for me in the last few years is to ask for marriage advice since I just got married this year. This one really gets people talking. Of course, be careful who you ask. Make sure you know a little bit about their marital status. You don’t want to spring this question on a recent divorcee. Here are 48 other topics for you to consider in case you want to expand your list.
All photography by Natalie Alvarado @ Stylenfuse