CHRISTMAS PARTY ETIQUETTE

As the Christmas Party season approaches, the thoughts of many employees turn to the office Christmas Party. If you're not sure how you should behave, or what's acceptable, then read on.

Here's how to make sure that you have a memorable Christmas Party, for all the right reasons.

1. Don't go to get drunk. Just because the boss is paying, doesn't mean that you should drink as much as you can in as short a time as you can.

2. If you know you're prone to say something you shouldn't or make a show of yourself when you get drunk, simply don't get drunk.  Alternate your drinks with soft drinks, and if you need to have an excuse, you can always say that you've got something planned for the next day, and need a clear head.

3. It's very bad manners to turn up late.  If you are running late, then at least let somebody know.  Don't turn up late to make a big dramatic entrance.  Nobody will be impressed.

4. Don't leave too early, as it will look rude.  If you do need to leave early for what ever reason, make sure that you arrive early, so that you've spent a decent amount of time at the party.

5. When with colleagues, or perhaps people from different departments of offices, try not to talk about work all the time.  Find out more about the people you work with.  Why not ask them what they do when they're not at work, or find out which team they support?

6. Be careful about what you do talk about, and try not to discuss potentially sensitive subjects. Don't get drawn into an argument, and if you do find yourself getting more and more involved, try and either change the subject, or find other people to talk to.  The Christmas Prty isn't the right place for a scene.

7. Don't wear inappropriate clothing.  This should be obvious, but there will be people who get it wrong.  It's much better to be overdressed than underdressed.  Choosing something stylish and understated will look better than something brash and over the top.  Remember that you are representing your company.

8. Be careful who you're talking to and about if partners are invited.  You don't want to be moaning about the boss to his or her partner!

9. Don't moan about the food or drink.  You probably haven't organised the party, and you haven't paid for it. The venue, food and drink might not be up to your usual high standards, but it's not for you to judge.

10. Remember your table manners.  You might not use a knife and fork properly at home, but you should at least make the effort whilst you're out in public.

Now you know how to behave, what to talk about and what to wear, there's nothing stopping you having the best Christmas Party ever this year! (FROM EZINE ARTICLES.COM)

WHAT NOT TO WEAR

The style basics

• Recognise your assets and choose clothes which flatter this part of your body.
• Show off your breasts OR your bum, never both in one outfit.
• If you have love handles or a round tummy, wear textured fabrics and wrap-around tops.
• If you have a short or wide neck, wear tops that are open at the neck, rather than high or round ones, to lengthen and slim your neck.
• If your clothes are too tight, you'll look fatter not thinner; straining fabric is a style no-no.

How to wear colours

• Only wear shiny fabrics and bright colours on areas that you are sure can stand up to being in the limelight.
• If you have sallow skin, dark circles or bags, don't wear black near your face, it only draws attention to it.
• Combining black with bright colours makes the black look boring and the colours look cheap.
• If you're petite or of larger build, avoid a dramatic contrast between top and bottom as this will cut you in half.

Your bra

• Always make sure your bra is lighter or the same colour as the clothes you're wearing.
• If you have big breasts - it's essential to wear a bra that fits you properly; a good bra will lift the boobs and give definition to the waist.
• Balcony bras look great on girls with large chests.
• Avoid thin back straps unless you are totally fatless or you will end up with unsightly back bulges under your clothes.
• If you have small breasts - spaghetti straps will offer enough support. it's all right to show the straps off under spaghetti strapped tops and dresses, as long as the bra is pretty.
• If you want to create cleavage, wear 'chicken fillets'.
• Small breasts look good in bras with 'chicken fillet padding' and a draw-string front.

Your knickers

• Wear flesh-coloured underwear under white, light or see-through clothes.
• If a skirt is see-through but not figure-hugging, opt for big, flesh-coloured knickers rather than a G-string.
• If you have obvious cellulite on your bum, avoid G-strings at all costs when wearing thin fabrics.

Making the most of accessories

• If you've got a large chest and you're embarrassed to show off too much flesh in a v-necked top, wear a large necklace to cover the area.
• Never wear a scarf or necklace over the top of a roll-neck jumper.
• Don't wear long pendants that nestle in your cleavage if you have big boobs.
• If you have a double chin or your face is chubby, opt for longer earrings.
• If you have a short neck, avoid large, choker-style necklaces.
• Chunky costume jewellery is a stylish way to add colour and individuality to your outfit.

Choosing the right pair of shoes

• If you have thick ankles, don't wear delicate, strappy heels, ballerina-style shoes or ankle straps which cut across the ankle.
• If you have skinny legs, avoid thin, teetering heels or they'll look like they're going to snap under the weight of your body.
• If you are pear-shaped, avoid dainty kitten heels.
• Trousers and jeans should fall to the bottom of the heel.
• Black shoes look best with darker colours - don't wear black shoes with light-coloured clothing unless they are extremely dainty.
• Don't wear black shoes with bright colours as they make your outfit look cheap.

Compiled by Abbie Fereday based on BBC's What Not to Wear programmes.

HONEYSUCKLE: PANTONE'S COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2011

 PHOTOs COURTESY OF http://www.mypersonalartist.com

THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT, 2011

02/03/2011 - 01/22/2012 (Metal)

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit, which begins on February 3, 2011 and ends on January 22, 2012.  The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animals signs.  The Rabbit is a lucky sign.  Rabbits are private individuals and a bit introverted.  People born in the Year of the Rabbit are reasonably friendly individuals who enjoy the company of a group of good friends.  They are good teachers, counselors and communicators, but also need their own space.

According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves.  It is a time for negotiation.  Don't try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail.  To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children.   Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.

The Sign of the Rabbit

People born in the Year of the Rabbit share certain characteristics:  Keen, wise, fragile, tranquil, serene, considerate, fashionable, and kind.  Generally, they are quite calm, do not exhibit aggressive behavior, and will avoid confrontation at all costs.  When angry about something, they will approach it calmly and considerately, hardly ever raising their voice.  And they are quite keen and pay close attention to the situations developing around them.  They are intelligent and quick, and can talk themselves in or out of most situations with no problem.

The Rabbit is a symbol for mercy, elegance, and worship of beauty.  People born in the Year of the Rabbit are kind, loving persons, and dislike any hostile act.  They give others an impression of being frail-looking because of their gentle appearance.  But, in fact they are strong-minded and have strong wills.  They pursue their ideals all their lives in a precise and orderly way.  They do things slowly and deliberately because of their cautious characters.

There is no need to worry about their lives.  They are nimble, clever and good at avoiding harm to themselves. They are talented and like artistic ventures, such as painting and music and are generally quite present in these worlds.  They are also very hospitable, good hosts and warm-hearted companions.  They never embrace others in public places.  They know the art of saving face and giving consideration to the interests of both sides.

People born in the Year of the Rabbit are apt to be sensitive to ailments and to have bad allergies.  Stress or conflict will detriment their health.  Exercise could take off unnecessary stress and strengthen their physical condition.  They have to learn to incorporate more action into their everyday routines.   

They will become depressed and withdrawn if their homes do not consist of beautiful possessions that make them comfortable.  Their homes and offices usually are clutter-free.  They have really good communication skills and are best utilized in positions of management.  They make great teachers and counselors because they are so diplomatic and well-organized.  They can also make great painters or musicians due to their sense of beauty and their love of creativity.

Rabbit people are usually relatively careful when it comes to their finances.  They use much of their money for possessions such as their homes, cars or furniture.  They love hunting for antiques, arts and crafts and will tend to make sound investments in these types of things.

Rabbit Years:  01/29/1903 to 02/15/1904 (Water), 02/14/1915 to 02/02/1916 (Wood), 02/02/1927 to 01/22/1928 (Fire),  02/19/1939 to 02/07/1940 (Earth),  02/06/1951 to 01/26/1952 (Metal),  01/25/1963 to 02/12/1964 (Water),  02/11/1975 to 01/30/1976 (Wood),  01/29/1987 to 02/16/1988 (Fire),  02/16/1999 to 02/04/2000 (Earth),  02/03/2011 to 01/22/2012 (Metal).

Famous Rabbit People:  Angelina Jolie, Anjelica Huston, Drew Barrymore, Edith Piaf, Fanny Brice, Helen Hunt, Jane Seymour, Joan Crawford, Kate Winslet, Natasha Richardson, and Tina Turner. (http://www.stanssewingsupplies.com)

SOON TO COME

This blog is aimed to provide suggestions on how to make unforgettable parties like weddings, birthdays, debuts, corporate events and other social gatherings that a lot of times we always forget some details. I welcome suggestions and other questions which we could discuss all for a GREAT PARTY. So, hop in and follow our journey to the party of a lifetime.