We all love a good canapé after a prosecco or two, right?
You can’t go wrong with the classics. Anything wrapped in pastry is always a winner, but realistically who’s going to prepare and bake dozens of mini sausage rolls by hand when you can grab them from the supermarket?
By Ciara Kelly
It’s officially the party season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it in style. Take some inspo from some of the fiercest ladies in the biz!
Another week, another 20 dresses that’ll guarantee you’ll turn heads. Get making those plans…
Another week, another 20 dresses that’ll guarantee you’ll turn heads. Get making those plans…
Despite your recent efforts on tinder, your best Valencia filter and managing to hold your breath long enough to fit into your best skinnies… Christmas is here and you’re STILL single. Which also means so are the Bridget Jones clichés… AND the relatives you never see who suddenly show an interest in your non-existent love life. It’s time to get out that badly photo-shopped pic of you David Beckham along with the… ‘He’s perfect Grandma.’
A set up for disaster right? Wrong! I am here to turn the other cheek (reality check please!…)
Being single over the holidays is more than underrated! So girls, no stressin’ over your single stat. This one is yours for the taking. Here’s why…
Sure, it’s our fave night of the year but also one of the most stressful. Hands up if you’ve experienced one or all of these, as told by Mean Girls…
1. The invite arrives!
Whether it’s in the form of gorgeous wedding stationery or a FB event, plans have been made and you’e SO excited!
Another week, another 20 dresses that’ll guarantee you’ll turn heads. Get making those plans…
1. The Build Up
The invite lands in your inbox. The date is set for what is always the best night of being employed. So what if it’s weeks away? The excitement sets in, as does outfit planning. Do I dress to impress? Or try something new in a trouser suit? Hair up? Hair down? Statement lip? Or smokey eye? Thank god we’ve got time to think this all through…
2. The Panic
So what we thought was “ages away” is actually next week and I’ve approximately no outfit options. Do I dig out one from the archive or just order half of the internet? Whispers are rapid around the office about what Clare from accounts is wearing. Mild panic sets in as Lauren and Rachel have ordered the same dress. This is more stress than the big day itself.
3. The Getting Ready
You’ve got your outfit down and the night is here – that’s the hard bit over right? Oh no, getting ready. We do this everyday but the big night makes it 10x harder. Does this colour clash with my dress? Will my curls hold? Probably not. Add in a few cheeky pre-drinks, four girls around one mirror and you’ve got chaos central.
4. The Arrival
Hours and copious amounts of hairspray later, you’ve made it. Your make-up is on point, your hair is looking sassy and you feel like a million dollars. Savour the moment because it’s potentially all downhill from here. Group photos will most likely happen around about now where if you’re on the end of the gang you’ll literally be cut out come Instagram uploads – pick your spot wisely.
5. The ‘I’m going to take it slow’ Moment
We all know how this goes, start with a diet coke – pace yourself…Yep…
6. The ‘Oh why the hell not?’ Moment (About an hour later)
There’s always one person who switches up the party atmosphere by initiating shots. Chances are you’ll get dragged into it, or maybe you ARE that person. Well, we all know how this ends.
7. The Dancing
There’s three types of dancers at your office party. The ones who take it too seriously, the ones who throw their hands in the air like they just don’t care, and the people who simply don’t dance. There may also be a girl busting out the splits or maybe you and your crew have a dance routine rehearsed. Whatever your do – there will be dancing. Ladies – bring back up flats, your feet will thank you for it later.
8. The New Best Friends
Oh, hey person I’ve only made eye contact with once in the canteen queue but now we’re lifelong friends. Yep, this will inevitably happen, even more so in the ladies’ toilets where you’ll be complimenting each other’s outfits: “OMG Emma your hair looks beautiful, you’re such a great person – HOW have we not been friends before?!” Make the most of this friendship, as it may not survive past the weekend.
9. The Drama
As with any situation involving alcohol, drama often follows. Whether it’s love triangles, friendship fights or general vodka infuelled dramatics, be wary of the work drama.
10. The Fear
Ah, the fear. However with colleagues involved this gets multiplied by a thousand. Did I really kiss David from Marketing? That photo on Facebook is not a great angle and ouch, where did I get that bruise from? Oh yes, falling over three times in front of my boss – we’ll blame ‘the floor.’ And that’s before the dreaded possessions panic. Where did I put my phone? Have I got my keys? Uh oh, what are these receipts for?! Did I really buy takeout for my whole team? And why do I have 4 missed calls and 12 Whatsapps from my ex? Ahhhh the drunken text messages reminiscing about the good old days, yep that’s one bridge burned!
All this before Monday morning, depending on if you can face the fear head on and make it into work…
It’s that time of year again and if there’s a time to look fly, it’s at your Office Holiday Party. Dress to impress (yep, we went there) in smart suits, statement dresses and killer co-ords.
