Surviving the Awkward Christmas Party 101

Ah, the holiday season – a time for joy, love, and, let’s not forget, navigating the risky waters of the awkward Christmas party. Whether the awkward coworkers, in-laws, or just extended family you only see a few times a year, it can be challenging.

Suppose you find yourself mentally preparing for this gathering with the enthusiasm of a contestant heading into a survival reality show; fear not! Angry Otter Liquor has your back (and booze) covered with this handy guide to surviving and thriving at this festive function.

Step 1: Essentials for Survival

Picture this: You're sitting in the car, already parked in the driveway outside the party, but you’re a little nervous. You thought ahead and meandered through the Travel Size section at your local Angry Otter first. We have an assortment of travel-sized spirits to fit any preference. From tiny tequila shots to mini whiskey bottles, these little warriors are perfect for navigating awkward dynamics or sudden existential crises staring at the front door.

Pro tip: With a cheeky little something in your pocket, it’s time to look at the neighbours’ Christmas lights. If anyone catches you or wonders what you’re doing, just tell them you’re just getting your steps in before dinner! Now, you appear health conscious.

Just ensure the car is safely parked first before sneaking a little liquid courage before entering the front door. What’s more awkward than making small talk about how dark it’s been is wondering how long until dinner. 

Step 2: Fancy Wines to Charm the Hosts at Dinner

Ah, the pièce de resistance of diplomacy – the dinner. Show up armed with a bottle of high-quality wine, and you'll earn instant brownie points among the table. Whether you choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon, an elegant Chardonnay, or a charming Rosé, aim for a bottle that will impress without breaking the bank. The goal is to make an entrance that says, "I'm refined and thoughtful, but I also know how to have a good time!"

Don’t know where to start when choosing the perfect bottle for dinner? We understand it’s an art form. But that’s okay; we have a guide for How to Choose the Right Bottle, which you can read here.

Step 3: Options for the Post-Dinner Shenanigans

Now, onto the part where the real magic happens – after-dinner festivities! You've wined, dined, and now it's time to unwind. We understand the need for affordable options that don't sacrifice taste after pulling out the premium wine at dinner. Whether you want to carry on sipping the wine or move onto to some festive cocktails, we have you covered for both.

Now is the time of the night when you can think of more budget-friendly options that have you sipping with satisfaction. If you need help with this, consider our list of Must Have Wines for the Holidays. You can impress your hosts by bragging that our in-house sommeliers hand-picked these wines.

Plus, when you purchase any of these wines from the list, you have the chance to win a Dream Vacation courtesy of Peller Family Vineyards and Gray Monk Winery, which you can enter here. These are real party wines because we gave you a conversation starter to go with them. You can go around the room and ask everyone about their dream vacation.

Is wine not your thing? That’s okay; we have a wide assortment of cocktail recipes to keep the spirits high! You can find everything from traditional classics to festive concoctions here.

Step 4: Making a Lasting Impression

Want to score some extra brownie points with the hosts? Consider bringing along a beautifully curated gift package from Angry Otter Liquor. We're talking about stunning gift sets that boast elegance and taste.

These packages are the ultimate life savers for those last-minute gift-giving dilemmas, from wine bundles to spirit combos. Add a personalized touch, like a festive ribbon or a handwritten note, and voila! You're now the hero who brought the gift everyone secretly hopes to receive.

A Toast to Surviving the Soirée

Remember to keep a sense of humour handy as you embark on this holiday adventure, armed with travel-sized spirits, fancy wines, and budget-friendly sips. Laugh off the awkward moments, clink glasses with new and old friends alike, and pat yourself on the back for surviving another awkward Christmas party!

So, to all the holiday warriors facing the impending in-law invasion, awkward coworker small talk, and beyond, chin up, Yeti packed, and spirits high – you've got this!