A festive office get-together is a great way to thank and reward employees for their hard work, and a perfect opportunity to cut loose and enjoy a bit of downtime after a busy year. However, it’s not without its pitfalls. Office gatherings can be a cause of worry for those who aren’t big party goers or don’t celebrate Christmas, and what workplace doesn’t have stories of that one employee who went a little too far after one too many drinks?

Here are five simple rules that you can follow to make sure your Christmas celebration goes off without a hitch and you avoid becoming a cautionary tale of how NOT to behave.

1. Don’t forget you’re at work

A great place to start is to make sure you remember a work Christmas party is still a work event – no matter how many novelty hats or sambuca shots are on offer. Under no circumstances should an office party become the place you discuss your job role or air any grievances you might have about your colleagues.

2. Know your limits

Whilst it’s nice to have a glass of wine or two and relax, make absolutely sure you know your limits and stick to them. Don’t be the employee who passes out in the toilet, cries on the shoulder of a colleague or needs pouring into a taxi at 8pm.

3. Use social media with extreme caution

Although you might enjoy posting lots of updates about your nights out on social media, remember that this is a work do. It may not be appropriate to plaster your Instagram feed with pictures of your colleagues letting their hair down. Make sure you are aware of everyone’s boundaries before you share anything — particularly if it might look very unprofessional in the cold light of the morning after.

4. Don’t pull a sickie

If the Christmas party is on a school night don’t call in sick the next day, however hungover you are! Everyone will know exactly what’s wrong and those who have made it in will be far from impressed at your no-show.

5. Don’t drink and drive

Finally, while it goes without saying that you shouldn’t drive yourself home after a few drinks, you should also make sure to be vigilant about your alcohol consumption and how it might impact your journey to work. Given that it takes around one hour to break down one unit of alcohol, you may need to find an alternative form of transport the next morning too.

This news was brought to you by Morgan Pryce, a specialist tenant acquisition agent with offices in Oxford Circus and the City. Morgan Pryce specialises in search, negotiation and project management and works exclusively for tenants.