If you have been invited to Christmas parties this season, here are some pointers you should take note of before making your grand entrance.
1) Get the party started Be early, not fashionably late. You get more time to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and generally work your way around the room. Be gracious and offer to get food
or drinks for others, and they will remember you for your efforts.
2) Get in the know You need to be able to hold conversations. But even if you are not toastmaster material, you can still brush up your general knowledge and prepare a few good jokes. Most
importantly, show interest in what others have to say and they will be sure to reciprocate to your gesture.
3) Work the room Don't stick to the same people the whole time. Talk to other people at the buffet line, or when you're topping up your drink. Compliments on someone's dress or a fabulous
looking hairdo always helps to get the conversation flowing. But don't flit from group to group like an incorrigible social butterfly, or you will look insincere. Try not to stick
around one corner of the room either, especially where the food is displayed, or you could eat more than you should
4) Dress right No need to overdose on the hairspray or pile on the make-up for girls. For guys, make sure you smell good and look neat. That means spritzing on just the right amount of
cologne - just spritz lightly into the air and walk into the mist, and enough hairgel to keep cowlicks in place. But if the party calls for a dress code, be sure to keep to it as
closely as possible. For example, if there is a colour theme, try to show up in the colours suggested. It is basic courtesy that you are showing to the hosts.
5) To drink, or not to drink? Alcohol may be just what you need to loosen your social inhibitions, but don't get carried away. You don't want to end up in an embarrassing situation for which other party-
goers will remember you by - and not always in the most positive light. If you must drink, alternate with non-alcoholic ones, so you don't end up accidentally drinking more than
you should.
6) Watch your body language Keep your toes pointed to the person you're talking to - body language experts say that shows interest.
7) The name game Remembering someone's name will make them impressed. One trick is to repeat aloud the name of the person whom you have been introduced to, so you won't easily forget
the next time. Also, it helps if you introduce that person to someone else in turn.
8) Smile at someone If someone looks at you, don't look away. Instead, hold that person's gaze for a second and smile. That always helps to break the ice.
9) Give others something to talk about. Wear a statement piece, or carry a great-looking bag so you always have something to talk about. People will also find it easier to approach you when they see something
fantastic on you, but have no guts to speak up first.
For more tips on How to be the Life of the Party, grab a copy of December's Female magazine.
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