Between the shopping and the noshing this holiday season, one inevitably gets an invite to a party or two. Maybe three. Or, like me, 8 parties in two weeks. That’s a lot of merriment to partake in.

A ton of young professional groups, industry organizations and non-profits host one party after the other in December. This is a great time to network especially in this economy and take advantage of the opportunity to make connections. Networking can feel like one of Dante’s circles of hell, but if you can keep a few rules in mind you can actually make the most of this festive time:

• Alcohol is flowing – go with the flow but don’t treat it like a tidal wave It’s okay to have a few drinks but don’t use it as an excuse to get tanked and end up as Santa’s lap dancer. Holiday parties by nature are fun and light hearted but in a networking situation it’s still business, and your business shouldn’t be about treating it like hanging with your posse. Indulge in conversation rather than cognac.
• Make it a point to meet at least one new person in the room but leave the conversation while you are still considered charming and not boarding on needy Monopolizing and cornering a person and basically holding them hostage to your witty repartee for an hour is not cool. It’s just rude and sort of scary. Know when to move on and allow someone else to enjoy your intelligence.
• Networking does not equal “hook up” I have to go through this behavior with my guy friends when I go to networking events and remind them of healthy boundaries when dealing with the women (and in some cases other men) there. Bottom line is you don’t get to flirt, make innuendos, and suggest that your intentions are more than business to suit your own ego especially when you know you have a girlfriend/boyfriend or husband/wife at home. Networking is about making meaningful connections and should not be confused with potential booty calls.  Act like a grown up and be respectful of others who are actually trying to network and not trying to get their freak on.
• If you are not much on networking, holiday networking is the perfect time to get out there The holidays are a great backdrop to talk about things other than careers. Holiday plans, vacations and traditions are all topics that can help you connect with someone else and uncover unexpected common interests.

So pour yourself a cup of egg nog and get out there and meet some new faces. Just make sure you don’t end up face down in the egg nog. Cheers and happy networking!

Pamela is the Business and Networking Editor for Girls Guide. She is the owner of The Raymond Experience, an events and public relations company, and she moonlights as a business blogger here and as Business Commentary eXaminer for St. Louis. You can email her at pamela [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot]com, and follow her on Twitter.