ULTIMATE PARTY SURVIVAL GUIDE
Sidestep those hangovers from hell, awkward small talk and throbbing feet with these troubleshooting tips
PUTTING ON THE GLITZ
Party season is the time to let loose with sequins, embellishment and glitter.
However before you go too crazy, it’s important to think about the type of event you are going to.
“This is the time of year to have fun with fashion but before you choose what to wear, consider the occasion,” says Daily Express fashion editor Antonia Kraskowski.
“If it’s a work Christmas party, remember you’re still in a professional environment.
“A stylish lace blouse is a good alternative to a plunging neckline, as it looks pretty without being too revealing.
“If you’ve already bought your dress and are worried it might be too low at the front, try layering a sheer top underneath.”
Remember that comfort is key for partying into the night.
“If you’re going to be eating and drinking a lot, choose a looser style so you don’t need to worry about Prosecco bloat,” says Antonia.
“And if you plan to wear heels, a block style is not only more on-trend than stilettos but has the added benefit of being comfortable to wear.”
Choose the right colour dress and food and drink mishaps can be avoided too.
“Wearing a dark colour means it won’t matter if you spill your mulled wine.
“Alternatively, if you’re brave enough to wear them, all-over sequins will simply wipe clean,” she adds.
ADD SOME SOCIAL SPARKLE
Whether it’s making small talk with strangers or chatting to someone you barely know, Christmas parties often put social skills to the test.
If you’re worried you won’t have enough to talk about, think of a few questions you can ask in advance.
“Remember people love to talk about themselves,” says life coach Michelle Zelli.
“Before going to the party, rehearse five questions out loud. You could even practise them in front of the mirror to build confidence.
“Ask things like: What are you doing for Christmas? Where are you planning to spend New Year? What are your goals for 2019? What do you hope Santa will bring?
“While you’re talking to someone, listen to what they’re saying rather than thinking about your reply,” says Michelle.
“People will feel you’ve really heard them and connect with you at a deeper level.”
As well as making small talk, festive soirees often throw people together who don’t get on, be it colleagues or family members.
“Christmas is the time of goodwill so try not to dwell on the negatives,” says Michelle. “Instead, put a smile on your face and focus on the people you do enjoy spending time with.
“Be polite to anyone you don’t get on with and move around the room. Remember, you don’t have to engage in conversation with anyone you don’t want to.
“If there’s a subject that’s sure to set off an argument, avoid it. If someone starts ranting about politics or another difficult topic, move the conversation on to something lighter such as travel and holidays.
BEAT THE MORNING AFTER
’Tis the season to get merry but too many tipples can leave you feeling less than festive the next morning.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to avoid waking up feeling as if you’ve been run over by a herd of reindeer. “Eating a proper meal before the party is vital. It slows down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed, which will help reduce your hangover,” says Dr Pedram Kordrostami, creator of hangover supplement After Drink (afterdrink.com). Once you’re at the party, it’s a good idea to pace yourself. “Drinking a large amount in a short period of time is a surefire way to guarantee a hangover, so try to spread your drinks out across the evening.
“Other tricks include having a glass of water with every alcoholic drink to stay hydrated and choosing clear or lightcoloured drinks over red wine, whisky and other dark spirits, as they are less likely to cause a hangover,” adds Dr Kordrostami.
If you do end up feeling worse for wear, try one of these natural remedies. “Ginger can help with nausea. It’s the only researchsupported, natural anti-sickness remedy and is recommended by doctors for morning sickness.
“If you’re feeling anxious, take a walk to get some air and keep yourself busy. Chamomile can also help with anxiety, so swap your usual coffee for a steaming mug of chamomile tea.”
GO WITH THE GLOW
Late nights and too many festive cocktails can leave skin looking and feeling decidedly lacklustre. “Drinking alcohol dehydrates the body. Skin quickly loses radiance and luminosity and feels rough,” says dermatologist Dr Ross Perry. “It can also cause blood vessels to expand, leading to a flushed appearance and possibly the emergence of thread veins.” To avoid a skin-hangover the day after a party, it’s important to stay hydrated.
“Drink plenty of water during the day before and after a party. It will make a big difference to your skin,” says Dr Perry. “Always remove make-up before going to sleep, no matter how late you come in. This will allow your skin to breathe overnight. “Ideally I would recommend a gentle cleansing wash. However if it’s very late and you’re exhausted, make-up wipes are a cheap and easy standby that will quickly remove make-up and grime before you go to bed. “Some have a rough texture, so be gentle when you use them. I would recommend using two wipes, one after the other, to get rid of every last trace of make-up and sweat.” Dermatologist Dr Emma Craythorne recommends putting a wet flannel in the fridge before you go to bed. “When you wake up the next morning, place the flannel on your face to cool skin and reduce redness,” she says. “Use a cream that contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate, then apply your daily moisturiser. “And remember to keep your make-up light to allow the skin to breathe and recover.”