How to survive party season
Pitfalls await during December’s social marathon. Here’s how to pace yourself through the festivities and avoid any embarrassment
Christmas parties often put social skills to the test. If you’re worried you won’t have enough to talk about when you meet someone new, think of questions you can ask in advance.
Life coach Michelle Zelli said: “People love to talk about themselves. Before going to the party, rehearse five questions out loud. 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 you?”
Small talk isn’t the only source of stress. Festive soirees often throw people together who don’t get on.
Zelli added: “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.” TOP TIP: Avoid spoiling your holiday with arguments. If someone starts ranting about politics, for example, move the conversation on to lighter subjects such as travel and holidays. ‘Tis the season to get merry but too many tipples can result in a horrendous hangover.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to avoid waking up feeling as if you’ve been run over by a reindeer.
Dr Pedram Kordrostami, creator of hangover supplement After Drink, said: “Eating a proper meal before the party is vital. It slows the rate alcohol is absorbed, which will help reduce your hangover.”
Once you’re at the party, pace yourself. Dr Kordrostami added: “Drinking a large amount in a short period of time is a surefire way to guarantee a hangover, so spread your drinks out over the evening.
“Other tricks include having a glass of water with every alcoholic drink and choosing light-coloured drinks over red wine, whisky and dark spirits.”
If you do end up feeling worse for wear, try ginger. Dr Kordrostami said: “It helps with nausea. It’s recommended by doctors for morning sickness.” TOP TIP: Use a timer on your phone to space out drinks. This will stop you drinking too quickly. Late nights and drinking can leave skin looking like it’s lost its sparkle.
Dermatologist Dr Ross Perry said: “Drinking alcohol dehydrates. Skin loses radiance and feels rough.”
To avoid a “skin hangover”, drink plenty of water the day before and after the party.
Dr Perry added: “It will make a big difference to your skin. Also, always remove make-up before going to sleep to allow your skin to breathe overnight.
“Ideally I would recommend a gentle cleanser. However, if it’s very late and you’re exhausted, make-up wipes are a cheap and easy standby. Use two wipes, one after the other, to get rid of every last trace of make-up.”
Dermatologist Dr Emma Craythorne recommends putting a wet flannel in the fridge before bed. She said: “When you wake up, place the flannel on your face to cool skin and reduce redness.” TOP TIP: Dab a highlighting concealer under your eyes and along your brow bone. This will brighten your eyes, making you look more awake.