Ground rules for office parties

The headlines may be hard to ignore, but trashy tabloid events are definitely not appropriate Christmas party conversation.

It's time to elevate party chat, says Elio Iannacci, features director for Flare magazine and style ambassador for Stella Artois Nobilis, a new sparkling drink from the classy Belgian beer-maker.

"Leave all the Amy Winehouse drunken foolery on Perez (Hilton.com) where it belongs," says Iannacci. "I think when you are getting to a party, the last thing anyone wants to hear is the overblown cliches about what is in Us weekly."

Sure, the holiday season is already in full swing, but it's not too late to put the brakes on unstylish behaviour, dress and entertaining. And that means letting go of tired old ghosts of Christmas past: The stilted staff party conversation with co-workers, the late 1990s-era outfit, the spinach dip-in-pumpernickel.

"We are so beyond the salsa-and-chip legacy of parties," says Iannacci. "I think it's time to move it along, step it up. It doesn't take much."

Celebrity chef Anthony Sedlak, who hosts The Main on The Food Network, loves the idea of food stations to boost social atmosphere and create movement about the room.

This season Sedlak is promoting one-pour cocktails, such as Smirnoff Vodka Mojito, Jose Cuervo Golden Margarita and Grand (Marnier) Cosmopolitan. Tasty and ready-mixed, they take the heat off the host.

"You've got to be able to enjoy the party yourself," he said. "And I hate parties that are more stress than they're worth."

Star stylist David Clemmer, host of W Network's Style by Jury and owner of Judy Inc. warns those who are hosting to expect the unexpected.

"If the party starts at seven, panic up until six and then nothing is going to make a difference at that point," he said. "Pour yourself a cocktail and enjoy the night."

As for how to smooth out those awkward party conversations, Iannacci promises with the right question, it is possible to have a meaningful conversation with almost anyone.

"Start asking about interests, even if it's a person you have absolutely no affinity for," he says, "and you will find there are things you like about them."

WHAT TO WEAR:

Tara Wickwire, spokesperson for Banana Republic and Gap Canada, recommends two distinct, laid-back yet dressy looks for the season.

For women: The sweater dress, particularly in a cashmere or merino. "It can be worn with boots to the office and then heels for the evening."

For men: The purposely loosened tie. "A tie in a great colour, you know, a purple or a green or even orange," she said. "Seeing the tie worn more casually, just loosened at the neck under a dark sweater, with jeans."

WHAT TO DRINK:

Kahlua French Cockail

The Drink to remember

• 1 oz. Kahlua French Vanilla
• 1 oz. Martell VSOP Cognac
• 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

Serve in a rocks glass and garnished with a lime twist

WHAT TO SERVE:

Anthony Sedlak's Watermelon and Feta Cubes

Watermelon cut into 2.5 cm cubes, with top scooped out

Season lightly with sea salt and fresh pepper

Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil

Top with crumbled feta cheese and sprigs of fresh mint

HOW THEY'LL REMEMBER YOU:

David Clemmer suggests handing out taxi chits, a tiny potted evergreen or a mini-gift bag.