Sometimes there’s nothing you can do. You must leave your company holiday party. But yet you linger on, wondering where else to hit up. But the answer can be right in front of your chinny chin chin.

In this crowded little island, we have to share everything. Cabs, sidewalk space, social circles (You went to school with the brother of my co-worker’s roommate’s girlfriend????) So when it comes to the holidays, restaurants are usually doing at least double, if not triple or quadruple holiday duty on the same night.

Which is why I’ve always been a fan of the next-to-your-party crashing. I mean, who’s really going to show up completely uninvited to another company’s holiday party in some random place? But just dropping in and seeing if the grass really is greener at the party next door to you is really a no-lose proposition. There’s really zero risk of not getting “caught” … you can always fall back the excuse that you got confused, thought the bathrooms were this way, etc. You get to see how the hot the people at the other company are. You get to see who else is having a party at a place as posh (or crappy) as your own firm, very often do some job hunting. And let’s face it, it’s the most exciting thing you did this year. So, convinced? Let’s begin.

Establish your “cred” with the door person (if any, more likely none) by ducking in early on. That way, when you go back or if they crack down due to other inter-corporateers just pull the “remember me?” face. Now, if the door’s unattended, then nothing to fear but fear itself, no? In other words, get over it. The music will not coming screeching to a halt when you step in.

Spy. After you check out your party, go back to the other parts of the restaurant/event space and just swing by the other places, see which parties look promising. Do NOT crash the 20-person firm party. Couple easy ways to find out which companies are hosting — if it’s later, line of black cars can provide clues (either company name or brand emblazoned), there’s often signs or placards posted, you can chat up the communal areas — smokers, bathroom (at your own risk), etc; or make small talk with the bartenders/servers.

Eat their food. Did your company cheap out? There’s only one way to know for sure.

Don’t come with an entourage. Here’s why not: a) MOVING IN GROUPS OF 8+ PEOPLE AFTER THE AGE OF 21 IS UNACCEPTABLE. b) Too, too obvious. c) Don’t be chicken.

Similarly obvious, Talk to some people at the other party. Isn’t that the point? Make some loooove connections. Maybe you’ll see someone you know. Also, it makes you less obvious. And perhaps it will do something even more magical — make you go running back to your own party, happy and secure in the knowledge that there are way, way worse people out there.

To tell the truth? I mean, let’s not wet our pants. You’re an office-dweller that went to another party, so no need to go overboard and construct some fake personality for the sake of a lame bar story you can tell later on. The truth will set you free.

Successfully-Next-Door-Party-Crashed-And-Lived-To-Tell-About-It Yours,
fancypants