Mix and Mingle Your Way Through the Dreaded Holiday Party

Holiday parties are supposed to be fun. We get to dress up in our schmanciest duds and sparkliest jewelry, indulge in fine wines and hors d'oeuvres, and meet fascinating new people. Oh yeah, that thing about meeting new people - it's not so much fun as it is intimidating and anxiety-inducing.

Many of us dread attending parties, especially those where we don't know anyone . . . like the holiday party hosted by your partner's company. During the holidays, this dread is intensified by the increasing stress of responsibilities like travel, gift shopping, and year-end work matters. We may find it difficult to embrace the festive spirit when a workplace party is a requirement of the season.

Still, whether you work for the company hosting the party or you're a guest of an employee, it's absolutely possible to manage your anxiety, let go of your fear, and genuinely enjoy yourself. Here's how.

How to be a good host to your guest

If you bring a guest to the party, whether it's your spouse or a casual date, it's your responsibility to make sure s/he has a good time. Make sure your guest has a drink and food. Don't leave her sitting alone while you chat with your coworkers. Make an effort to bring up non-work topics of conversation. And always introduce your guest to the people you know.

Share a little about the person you're introducing, so your partner can put faces with names: "Amy, this is Mark from HR. He's the one who always e-mails me those hilarious videos I've told you about." This creates instant familiarity and helps your guest feel more at ease with people you've mentioned before.

What if you've forgotten someone's name? That's no excuse! Here are two ways to handle it gracefully.

1) Be honest with the coworker. Tell him that his name has slipped your mind. We're all human and we all forget things; he'll understand. If you say it with some self-deprecating humor, even better: "I'm sorry - I'm blanking on your name right now. My old age seems to be catching up with me; I can't remember anything lately."