I read in the newspaper yesterday that staff parties are highly dangerous in the respect that alcohol acts as a truth serum and many people wreck future career prospects with their big, well-oiled mouths.
Last night, I spent six hours in the same room as 100 colleagues and their partners at our "Eighties Themed" staff party. The champagne was flowing but apart from certain staff members hilariously falling off the stage during a dance-off competition, I’m fairly certain there were no serious incidents of inappropriate revelry.
Last night, I spent six hours in the same room as 100 colleagues and their partners at our "Eighties Themed" staff party. The champagne was flowing but apart from certain staff members hilariously falling off the stage during a dance-off competition, I’m fairly certain there were no serious incidents of inappropriate revelry.
The only foreseeable staff party dangers as far as I’m concerned are the grisly hangover you’re possibly going to suffer the next day, the remorseful and cringe-worthy flashbacks of your own flamboyant ‘sexy’ dancing and… THE PHOTOGRAPHS!
So here are the self-reflective tips I have (after the fact) for avoiding these mortifying issues.
1. Try to block photographs of yourself after a set time (when you’re plastered) so you don’t fall into the trap of pulling outlandish faces, poses or experiencing a wardrobe malfunction.
2. Do a bit of detective work prior to the party when you're deciding on a costume.
It would be such a shame if somebody else turned up in the same outfit!
Meet...Mario (Mel), Luigi (Scotto), Mario (O'Reilly), Luigi (Rachel)
3. Make sure you are adventurous in your wardrobe choices. One thing you don't want to do is merely blend in with the scenery.
4. When posing for photos try to stand with perfect posture ...
Blondie (Trina), Rubik's Cube (Emmsie), Amy.
If you're snapped leaning against a wall, or worse another body, you could wind up looking like a piss pot.
Kazza, Emma, Kyles, Pinky, Shazza ... more lean than the Tower of Pisa.
5. No matter how infused with endearment for your beautiful colleagues you are, refrain from repeatedly telling them how much you LOVE them. They will tire of it quite quickly.
Rachael putting Pinky in a headlock.
6. Just like "planking", photobombing is extremely childish and so yesterday... look it up Greggles. Don't do it!
Pinky trying to have a nice photo taken with the party mastermind, Kyles.
7. Remember that a group of people have been working hard in the background to make this special night a success.
Offer to help out if you can.
Pinky Poinker helping to judge the Dance Off.
8. Finally, to avoid that horrible hangover; take two aspirin before you leave for the party and two more when you get home (with a glass of milk). This will prevent inflammation of blood vessels in the brain. It may make your stomach bleed but you won't have a headache in the morning and I know which I'd prefer!
(This is not authentic medical advice but the voice of experience)
9. If you do wake up feeling as though a bat has shat in your mouth there's always this sure fire way to feel better...
