It's that time of year again! The chestnuts are roasting over that old open fire, Santa Claus is coming to town, and of course that also means it's time for the office Christmas party again! Over the years I have been forced to attend far too many of these ghastly events, and had to organise a fair few too, so here are my tips of what not to do at the office Christmas party.

First and foremost, it may sound like stating the obvious, but please do NOT get drunk! Of course the odd glass of wine or a beer to be sociable is fine, but then stick to the soft drinks. Shrieking, giggling, falling over, getting belligerent, making improper advances to people and being sick over the person standing next to you, are not attractive in anyone at any time. And that becomes doubly the case when you are at the office party. Remember, that despite the bonhomie and friendliness from the Bosses, they are still your bosses, they still have the power to sack you, and throwing up over their Armani suit will not endear you to them. Your face will be remembered for all the wrong reasons (that is if you keep your job long enough to be remembered at all), so definitely the first thing not to do at the office party is drink too much!

Second thing not to do at the office Christmas party, is also a pretty obvious one in my opinion. And that is no matter how much you have admired a colleague from afar, this not the opportune moment to tell Paul from Accounts or Jane from Reception, that you really fancy him/her. It will be embarrassing for them in a situation where they may feel unable to be as curt and businesslike as they would be in a usual work environment, and if you have drunk enough to make an improper advance as well as just speaking to them, well that is a recipe for disaster. How are you going to feel the next day when you have to face them in a working environment? It will be awkward for both parties concerned. And should they show an alcohol fuelled interest back and end up doing something you both might regret beneath the photocopier or in the broom cupboard, well it will be even more embarrassing in the morning and could well lose you, or both of you, your jobs. So rule two is be pleasant and polite, chat to people, but never chat up or grope as you might at a nightclub or non-office party. You have to see these people tomorrow in a work environment,.

Thirdly, even though I have advised keeping a professional attitude at all times during the party, it is really not

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