Fidgeting is not festive.

To make the best possible impression at the holiday office gathering, stand with your arms at your side or behind you, try to make eye contact with other guests, be an active listener, smile and by all means, avoid the mistletoe.

These simple acts could go a long way toward enhancing your career when January rolls around, say Lisa Iadicicco and Demetria Pappas, co-founders of Mother, May I, a Mt. Lebanon-based firm that offers instruction in protocol and etiquette.

As a holiday party primer, the duo offered an hour's worth of advice Thursday for an all-female networking group, BizChicks, who met over lunch at Downtown law firm Meyer Unkovic & Scott.

"Between Nov. 15 and Jan. 2 we all kind of lose our minds and forget the basics," Ms. Iadicicco said of the decline in manners that results when people are overwhelmed with shopping, home preparations and social obligations.

Despite the stress of the season, keep good behavior high on your list because the impression you make at work-related parties is likely to stay with colleagues and managers into the New Year, said the Mother, May I experts.

Among the things to consider: appropriate wardrobe for an office event. Leave the stiletto heels and skimpy dresses at home, said Ms. Pappas. If you're tempted to wear a revealing blouse under your work suit that day and remove your jacket for the party, don't.

"You'll make a better entrance" in professional attire, she said.

When it comes to conversation, keep it tasteful. "Remind yourself that if it's not nice, it's not necessary."

And don't just watch what you say around the buffet. Keep your words in check when you go to the restroom or step into the hallway for a cell phone conversation, said Ms. Iadicicco. "You don't know who's in the next stall or standing behind you. It could be detrimental to your career."

Arrive at office functions early to scan the room and be confident in approaching groups you don't know by saying, "May I join you?"

"That shows leadership skills because you know how to go where you don't know anyone," said Ms. Pappas.

Don't depart before the boss, she advised, "Because you want to be part of the team."

For members of Generations X and Y (born after baby boomers in 1965 or later), parties can be a test of how comfortably they interact with older employees.

"X and Y are used to more electronic communications, like texting," said Ms. Iadicicco. "But boomers like face-to-face conversation."

Some good news: You don't have to buy your boss a gift. "It can be deemed bribery," said Ms. Pappas.

But re-gifting is OK. In fact, "It's acceptable. It's even green," said Ms Iadicicco noting that re-gifted items can be better than new in terms of the environment.

Just be careful how you re-gift.

Make sure the item hasn't been used and remove any cards addressed to you that might still be inside.

Also, think about the recipient, said Ms. Iadicicco.

"Don't give the brass candlesticks you got from Aunt Clara to a 22-year-old who never had a bit of brass in their home."

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