Remember that many a career has come undone at office parties, as when ambitious workers fueled by alcohol corner the boss and start making demands. “It’s definitely not the time to be saying, ‘We had a great year, how about that raise,’ or to air grievances,” Post admonishes.

Not knowing when to go home is also a common mistake, according to Lydia Ramsey, an etiquette consultant based in Savannah, Georgia, and author of Manners That Sell. Ramsey has worked with entities including Deloitte & Touche and Columbia Business School. She advises deciding on an exit time before the party and sticking to it. “There are the parties when suddenly everyone is at a strip club,” she says. “Probably not a good idea to go along with that.” Stick around the party long enough to speak to everyone at the event, assuming there are not thousands of guests. “You need to stay there for at least an hour or you will give the impression that your appearance was merely obligatory.”

Sneaking out comes off as boorish and immature. When you must leave, say your babysitter is waiting, you’re seeing a play with your mother, or something else responsible sounding. “Thank the boss for a great party and get out of there,” Ramsey advises. And be forewarned that there are few acceptable excuses for not attending the party at all.

If somehow you ignore the watch-what-you-drink rule, the key to retaining a scrap of respect is to own up to your misbehavior as soon as possible. Be brief, prompt, and professional in your apology note: Simply write “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again,” and send it to the boss and anyone else you may have offended. Redeem your company’s image at the party venue with a bunch of flowers and a letter to the manager: “Please accept my apologies for my behavior at the [insert company name] event last night. I regret the inconvenience it caused you and your staff.”

Of course, if you behaved perfectly, a thank-you note will just top off your success.