Happy December! Surely your calendar is getting dotted up with invites and parties galore. Now’s the time to put on some sparkle and glitz to get ready for the holiday party scene ahead.  Office parties, friends get-togethers and family events are right around the corner.  So that means it’s the perfect time to look extra special and be extra interesting. Whether you are single, taken, married or networking – holiday parties are the perfect time to expand your social roots.

Hostess gifts – Always come with gift in hand to any party you attend. Find time to locate the most thoughtful gift you can for the host of the evening. It is the thought that counts here so think about gifts that would make the host or hostesses’ life just that much easier.  Wine is always a good idea, but try to bring a sparkly center piece or candle holder to add to their already put together décor. Bring some hand-baked cookies, a dessert or other food to lighten their load when supplying food for guests. Or if your hostess is bound to be exhausted from all of the holiday cheer she is spreading, gift her something she would not ordinarily buy for herself – something for an at-home-spa treatment, a sparkly manicure set, slippers, makeup (with gift receipt) or a beautiful piece of jewelry.  What ever it is make sure you think it is something they would actually really enjoy.

Holiday Cards – Prior to any holiday season begins, one must stock themselves with unique and beautiful holiday cards that express your personality. Let’s face it – there are plenty of generic holiday cards out there but what about the prepster or the chic city girl? Try to find a set of cards that can address all holidays and all types of recipients while still showing YOUR personality so that they never have to wonder who it’s from if you sign it first name only.

For extra special sets– try my illustrated holiday cards here: on Etsy or here www.EmilyBrickelillustrations.com

And use code: IAMGRATEFUL at check out for 50% off during an extended Cyber week.

What to drink – It’s a holiday party and unless you’re at a high end swanky restaurant the drink menu will probably be pretty traditional yet festive.  Don’t be the obnoxious guest who asks for a really specific drink that is hard to make and hard to understand.  Unless you can quickly and concisely tell the bartender (or host/ess) how to make it – stick with something easier.  Remember the tight quarters of guests surrounding you and the bar will have onlookers either annoyed or impressed by how you order your drink.  These are people you potentially want to talk with and network.  If you can order a festive cocktail on the menu that is featured for the night, a glass of wine or champs then more power to you. This equals less time at the bar, more ability to easily grasp the stem of you glass (as opposed to a rocks glass), as well as additional fingers to grasp a cocktail napkin and occasional hors d’oeuvres. If you really must ask for something unique (perhaps as bait to start a conversation later on) ask what the bartender recommends for something with one specific quality, like something sweet, strong, with rum or with vodka.   Now grab your drink and head to the nearest interesting conversation or your dearest friends.

Outfits – Here is where you have the best chance to express your personality and whatever message it is that you want to convey.  Want to show people you are changing careers or just got a raise? Dress like it. Do you want to come off professionally and on a serious note? Well show’um your new chic blazer.  Dare to dabble in fashion to your advantage and allow it to mold the impression others get of you. Have fun and try to add some sparkle.  Opt for colors close to the drink you may be having. Wearing the season’s hottest trend “winter white”? Then stick with white wine or champagne. Donning the latest cranberry hue? Go for red wine and don’t worry about getting bumped by the occasional passers by. If you get spilled on no one will notice!

Holidays are absolutely a time to be warm and merry but if you plan to take lots of photos, stick with a figure flattering ensemble that wont make you look 10 lbs heavier like if you were to wear a trendy chunky knit sweater. If you must – try to belt it but instagrammer-be-ware, you are going to have to werkkk those angles like never before.  I say, not worth it.  Photos will be flashing from all angles and no one looks cute swallowed up in fabric.

For shoes – here is your chance to be extra daring.  Bring out the over the top shoes and really let them be a conversation piece. Colorful, sparkling or really high, this is a place to have extra fun – especially if you love shoes as much as me. Whoever minded another woman complimenting you and asking you where you got your shoes anyhow?

For handbags – avoid the clutches. These are ideal for dinner parties where you can set your clutch down as you sit. For holiday parties and cocktails alike you will be scurrying around the room from couch to kitchen, from conversation to bathroom and so on. Choose a handbag that is festive, on the smaller side but can be worn over your shoulder or on your wrist. Bags with chains or straps are important.  Nothing is worse than not being able to shake someone’s hand, give out a hug or grab up a delectable passed appetizer because you have a cocktail in one hand and your purse in the other. No swag there. Also – size matters. Make sure your bag can hold your cell phone/s (all of them), lipstick, other makeup touchup and the necessities. Holding a purse AND a cellphone that wont fit is not a way to enjoy the party.

Conversation – brush up on the latest news, get ready to spill your most recent endearing stories, have your elevator pitch ready (and business cards) and keep a breath mint and mirror on hand.  Frequent teeth checks for rouge food should happen on a consistent basis. No one wants to be remembered for the girl with food in her teeth, and no business deal will get done without being recollected as such.  Steer away from politics if possible, or if you are in a political crowd, make sure you can back your opinions up with facts and stats.

Always have a “get in” and “get out quick” escape phrase in your back pocket if you need it. Use the “get in” phrase when there is a specific single you are eyeing across the room, a potential contact that you want to make sure remembers you or a friend that is being swallowed up by gushing guests.  Allow the “get out quick” phrase to be your getaway route in situations like the following: If you are being bombarded by rude or annoying continuous questions that you would rather plead the fifth on, if you see that potential mate or contact heading toward the door, coat in hand and you haven’t had a chance to mingle yet, if you feel offended by something someone is saying to you or (no offence you-terrible-conversationalists-you) if you are in the middle of a very dry discussion and you are longing to hi tail your way out of there.

What could these phrases be? They will require some creativity, personalization, pure interest in what conversation you are about to enter into, and swave.

Genuine compliments are always great ways to get into a convo, adding your opinion or making a tasteful joke.  Just make sure not to rudely interrupt others but instead, try to enhance the conversation and stand out.  This will surely get you remembered.

And for the escape route phrase? Best tip: keep it authentic, no matter what. Be kind, unpretentious, thoughtful and to the point.

Now off you go and don’t forget – eye contact and firm handshakes win all.

Hope that inspires you to get into the holiday spirit!
xoxo

Emily