With the silly season just around the corner, December is the month when careers can be made or broken at the annual office Christmas party; which has prompted the experts at RossJuliaRoss to release a list of top ten Do's and Don'ts for your office Christmas function this year.

Group Marketing Manager of RossJuliaRoss Caroline Vickers-Willis, says, "DO attend the annual Christmas party if you can - it's a great opportunity for everyone to engage with each other in a less structured and busy environment and build those relationships that are so important to enjoy our time at work.

"DO make sure you enjoy yourself, but also conduct yourself professionally at all times. Although office parties are intended as social events to reward employees and raise morale, they remain strictly business events and your colleagues will have long memories!

"DON'T use the office party as an excuse to blow off steam, serve a log of complaints or compare the boss to Santa because he only works one day per year! It's still a company function, so proper etiquette and decorum matter.

"Definitely DON'T get into your favorite nightclub outfit for the event - and DO ask whether the dress is formal or casual. The party is still a work function, so conservative party clothes are a good choice - nothing too revealing - the best way to stand out is by showing off your style and good taste.

"Another definite DO is keep your hands to yourself. The office party is not the time to end your career with the company by doing something inappropriate or illegal and just because the event is business related, DON'T spend all evening talking business - you will end up with a reputation as the office bore.

"Make sure you keep all conversations positive and upbeat and don't spend the whole evening complaining, bragging, correcting, whining or ridiculing and DO avoid controversial subjects such as religion and politics.

"Always be gracious and thank co-workers and team members for their help and hard work during the past year and don't even think about gossiping about others. Meanwhile, be tolerant and respectful of those who don't celebrate Christmas and pick a more appropriate time for a religious or philosophical debate.

"Finally a great thing to remember at the office party is to keep your drink in your left hand, so that your right is dry and free to shake everyone's hand." she concluded

Founded in 1988, RossJuliaRoss is a globally recognized organization specializing in recruitment and specialist human resources services along with a growing number of outsource services including; payroll, management, technology and HR consulting with offices in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, London and Dublin.

TOP TEN DO'S AND DON'TS FOR THE 2009 OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY

1. Do attend if you can - it's a great opportunity for everyone to engage with each other in a less structured and busy environment and build those relationships that are so important to enjoying our time at work.

2. Do make sure you enjoy yourself, but also conduct yourself professionally at all times. Although office parties are intended as social events to reward employees and raise morale, they remain strictly business events and your colleagues will have long memories!

3. Don't use the office party as an excuse to blow off steam, serve a log of complaints or compare the boss to Santa because he only works one day per year! It's still a company function, so proper etiquette and decorum matter.

4. Don't get into your favourite nightclub outfit for the event -- and do ask whether the dress is formal or casual. The party is still a business function, so conservative party clothes are a good choice - nothing too revealing - the best thing to show off is your style and good taste.

5. Do keep your hands to yourself. The office party is not the time to end your career with the company by doing something inappropriate or illegal.

6. Just because it is a business event, Don't spend all evening talking business - you'll end up with a reputation as the office bore.

7. Do keep all conversations positive and upbeat. Don't spend the evening complaining, bragging, correcting, whining, or ridiculing. And do avoid controversial subjects (such as religion, politics, etc.)

8. Do be gracious and thank co-workers and team members for their help and hard work during the past year. And don't even think about gossiping about others.

9. Do keep your drink in your left hand, so your right is dry AND free to shake everyone's hand.

10. Do be tolerant and respectful of those who don't celebrate Christmas - pick a more appropriate time for a religious or philosophical debate.