One person can’t stop talking about it, while the other has been dreading it for weeks: the Christmas drinks. There is probably one on your doorstep at work too. Whether you feel like it or not: you will at least get to know your colleagues a little better and you will probably receive a nice Christmas gift. But to be assured of that next year, you have to leave a good impression. And etiquette expert Chris Linders from Bergen op Zoom knows how.
Error or black tie
We start with your outfit. “The most important thing is to do what is stated on the invitation,” says Linders. If it is an informal Christmas party, you are free to come as you wish. But if a theme is put on the invitation, he says you cannot ignore it. “For example, if there are incorrect Christmas sweaters, it is nice to respond to that. That creates a form of solidarity and then you show that you are willing to make an effort.”
But it is also possible that it should be a bit more chic. “For a neat look, but not too much overdressed you can get away with a lot, as long as it is neat. Is the dress code cocktail? Then you dress festively,” says Linders. “And if you ask for black tie, then it is a tuxedo for the men and you come as a lady in a long gala dress.”
Arrival
The drinks or Christmas dinner may be outside working hours, but it is and remains work. “So always behave properly,” says the expert. “Say hello to the hostess, show that you are there and thank the person who arranged for you to be there.”
One drink too many
How the conversations go also depends on the type of Christmas drinks. “At formal meetings you speak more quietly and timidly. You can be a bit more enthusiastic at an informal drink.” According to Linders, you can often sense that. “And when eyebrows are raised left or right, you know you’ve reached the limit.”
According to him, standing on a ladder among your colleagues is really not possible. “And that is often lurking at Christmas drinks,” says Linders. “As long as it improves the atmosphere, alcohol is fine, but drink in moderation. You are with your manager and you have to face him the next morning. And if, as a manager, you stand on the table complaining, there is also a good chance of crooked faces the next day.”
Dinner
Is it a Christmas dinner with table arrangement? then for some there may be some extra stress involved. “It’s good to know which cutlery you use,” says Linders. “It can be confusing for some people that there are two forks on the left and three knives on the right. Always work from the outside in. Look it up in advance. And if in doubt, just check with your neighbor.”
Phones
Obviously no telephone at the table. “And if you have had a drink, keep an eye on when others pick up their phones, because they can record things that you will regret later,” says Linders. If you want to share photos on social media, always ask permission from the colleagues in them first. “Because not everyone likes that.”
And you don’t like that drink at all and you have a good excuse? “Then let us know well in advance. You won’t score any points if you let us know ten minutes in advance,” said the expert.
We asked on the street what you think are the do’s and don’ts during Christmas drinks: