Nothing strikes fear in the hearts of employees like the office holiday party. While these events can be a time to relax and share warm wishes with fellow employees, they also have the power to make or break a career. To help you remember these social gatherings are more “office” than “party,” follow these tips.

Many employees worry about making a favorable impression on their bosses and their peers and with each office party invite, anxiety levels skyrocket. The fear can be so intense that many employees would rather stay home than attend holiday parties. Others come only after weeks of prodding by their managers or fellow coworkers.

The reality is that bad behavior at office holiday parties can damage reputations and potentially send employees packing. We’ve all seen examples of an employee who let their hair down at an office function only to end up on a career path that was going nowhere fast.

Here are some guidelines to help you avoid turning an office party into a one way ticket to unemployment:

1. Attend.
   Whether you like it not, the office party is not an optional event. Even if you do not stay for the entire evening, showing up demonstrates that you are a part of the team.
2. Limit your alcohol intake.
   To help keep your composure, don’t have more than one or two drinks over the course of the party. Your boss and other potential champions of your career may be watching.
3. Dress appropriately.
   Remember that this is an opportunity for you to network and advance your career. For ladies, this means selecting a dress that isn’t too tight or too low cut. Keep your evening attire professional. Men should wear attire that is a little dressier than normal.
4. Mingle with employees you don’t know.
   Just because you already work with there, doesn’t mean that you can’t meet new people. Try to do some research and seek out people that can influence your career. Use the office party as an opportunity to add a new contact to your network.
5. Eat in moderation.
   Even though you may have come to the party right after work and had no time to get a bite to eat, don’t get a plate of food that is a mountain high. It’s not only in poor taste, but doing so can make it difficult for you to talk. Select foods that you can eat easily with one hand.
6. Prep your spouse or significant other.
   Remind your date of the names of your coworkers as well as other key executives that they might be introduced to. Also remind them not to mention any office gossip or other sensitive information that you may have shared.