Here are the do's and don'ts of office holiday parties

NEW YORK - As office holiday celebrations make a full return post-pandemic, the spotlight is back on party etiquette. Whether you’re attending your first corporate gathering or brushing up on best practices, these tips can help you navigate the festivities like a pro—without creating watercooler gossip.

"It's simple," one New Yorker told FOX5. "Say hi to everyone, but don't get drunk!"

National etiquette expert Diane Gottsman underscores the importance of understanding invitation protocol: "If the invitation includes a plus one, by all means, bring a guest. But if it’s just your name, don’t ask to bring someone else."

When selecting a plus-one, Gottsman offers this advice: "That could be a friend, partner, or cousin. It doesn’t matter who they are, but they have a responsibility to mix and mingle just like you."

For some, bringing a significant other is a key strategy for staying on your best behavior. "Bring your wife or your partner," one attendee suggested. "You don’t want to go home with someone you shouldn’t!"

While holiday parties are a time to relax, moderation remains essential—especially when it comes to alcohol. "No tequila," one partygoer advised. "Stick to wine or sangria, something easy, but not too much of it."

Dressing appropriately is also a must. "I think you should dress nice and not drink too much," another added.

Gottsman also shared a practical tip for meeting new people: "Nametags go on the right side to follow the line of sight during a handshake. It helps avoid those awkward moments when you forget someone’s name."

And finally, a golden rule echoed by many attendees: "Don’t be messy. Have one drink, maybe chill, but don’t overdo it because you’ll have to face those people on Monday morning."

As one professional summed it up perfectly: "You want to be seen, not remembered."

This holiday season, keep it professional and festive—and save yourself from becoming Monday’s office gossip.