Every year there are stories about people who celebrate a little too much and live to regret it. These stories abound at work and at social events. Exercising restraint is a good idea, especially at the company-sponsored holiday party. Always remember that you are still working! This is not the time to wear your most revealing clothing or perform your best rendition of holiday songs, solo. Rather, look at these occasions as an opportunity for you to demonstrate the quality of your character and ethics. Your time to shine! Many questions arise each holiday season, and I have gathered a list that may be helpful to you along with their answers:

1. What should I wear to a company party at a restaurant or country club?

Answer: If the party starts immediately after work, wear a suit that day and take along some dressier accessories; possibly jewelry, an evening bag, and dressier shoes. For men, wear a dark suit and white shirt to work and then add a tasteful holiday tie for the evening.

If the party starts after 6 p.m. and you have time in between, the dress for men would be the same (unless it is black tie or more formal) and the women can wear a conservative cocktail dress or suit (unless more formal, then a dressier dress, or gown, would be appropriate).

2. Am I allowed to drink alcohol at a holiday party?

Answer: Yes, but you should know your limits and be sure to eat something before you go to absorb the alcohol. Many people forget to do this and then feel "tipsy" early on. Again, this is a work-sponsored party so you want your behavior to be stellar. There is a rule for amounts of alcohol recommended at office or business functions: Women may have one drink and men may have two.

3. Holiday parties make me uncomfortable because I am not good at mingling. Can you help me?

Answer: Most people feel this way and the best way to get over this is to practice. People often find that they feel they have nothing to say so. I recommend finding topics of interest--recent movies you have seen, books you have read, trips you have taken, etc. The best way to begin a conversation is ask a question and then LISTEN to the answer. Other people will do all the talking if you let them. Newspapers, such as the Wall Street Journal, are a great source of interesting topics, especially on the front page, left column, where summaries of the news are featured.

4. What are the duties of a great guest?

Answer: Don't be a wallflower! As soon as you arrive, go directly to your host and shake hands and make introductions if appropriate. Tell them how pleased you are to be there and that you are looking forward to an enjoyable evening. Then make your way around the room greeting others and engaging them in conversation. Shake hands with everyone you meet and be enthusiastic about the event. You may carry a drink with you at this time, but keep it in your left hand so that your right hand is free and dry, ready for the next handshake. After you have made your "rounds," enjoy the cocktail food and the rest of the party. At the end of the event, be sure to say thank you and goodbye to your hosts. Follow this with a handwritten thank you note that you mail within 24 hours of the occasion.

These tried and true suggestions should help you navigate your way successfully through any holiday event. Next month I will address tipping and office gift-giving do's and don'ts. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Please feel free to write with questions regarding any aspect of etiquette or protocol. I look forward to hearing from you.

Gail Madison is a certified expert, trainer and professional speaker who presents etiquette programs to corporations and universities nationwide. Ms. Madison is the founder of The Madison School of Etiquette and Protocol and president of the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on a variety of boards and was recently proclaimed "Entrepreneur of the Year 2008-09" by Cambridge Who's Who. Valuable business etiquette information, such as the tips included in this article, can be found on the Etiquette Revolution's DVD: "The Secrets of Successful Employment." The DVD is available at www.etiquetterevolution.com and also at www.amazon.com/dvd. For more information: 215-938-1178, www.etiquetteconsult.com, etiquetteconsult@comcast.net.