Holiday Office Parties Are Back: 8 Ways to Play it Safe

Some do's and don'ts to avoid embarrassing yourself

In the December following the financial crisis of 2008, many companies decided to forgo their holiday office parties altogether. But four long years later, things are looking up, with a recent report from executive search firm Battalia Winston finding that of 105 companies surveyed, 91 percent planned to throw a party this year -- a significant jump from last year when, at 74 percent, the share of companies hosting celebrations hit a 25-year low.

But before workers use this good news as grounds to get looser than usual, they should consider what else has changed in the last four years. Social media and mobile apps -- ones that can document your every move and misspeak -- have become increasingly available and omnipresent, giving partygoers pause as to whether they can (or should) enjoy the night with abandon. Here are 8 tips on how to keep holiday cheer in check.

[The Official 'Cuffing Season' Gift Guide]

DO: Attend
"It may be frowned upon to not," says business consultant Teri Aulph. And don't be late. "Arriving late to the party—even after meal service begins—reflects badly on you. It demonstrates a rather nonchalant and uncaring attitude to make appointments on time, and also communicates that you can keep your boss waiting," says professional party planner Gregory Jenkins.

DON'T: Talk too much
"Even if your boss engages in risqué dialogue, avoid conversations that are political, religious, or that get into office gossip," says Jenkins. "Don't complain about your significant other, the long hours at work, or try to sell your boss on getting a raise or promotion." Aulph adds, "No matter who you are talking to at the party, keep conversation light."