Whether it's an annual event or an excuse to pick up office spirits, many companies like to get their employees together to get to know each other outside the usual work environment.

Obviously these are intended to be time to kick off your shoes and relax, but there's also a great opportunity to build your network to give your career a boost in the long term. Whether discussing work at these events is considered taboo or not, there are many ways you can improve your relationships to help you get ahead, and just as many things you should avoid.

Client parties
This is where you need to be on you best behavior – if you want to secure their business for the future then you better not turn into a rambling drunkard. It's really not the place to ‘talk shop' and you should try and steer clear of the subject, until they raise it first.

Even if they do start discussing deals, try and steer the conversation away as the last thing you want to do is verbally agree to something after a few pints that you can't back up when you return to work.

Supplier parties
When the tables are turned and you become the client at a supplier's party, you can expect a bit of the red carpet treatment. Don't be fooled into thinking they're doing this by way of thanks though. Most of the time there is an ulterior motive behind their generosity, trying to secure your custom.

Again, try not to commit to anything, stay friendly and try to talk to everyone at the party as you may come across other contacts that can help your career, whether it's through a job opportunity or a useful business contact.

Your company party
You can afford to let loose a little more at these events, but still beware of losing the plot completely. Managers are well aware that if they throw large amounts of money behind a bar then it will get used, but they will still be on the lookout for those who take things beyond what they would consider decent behavior.

If you're on the hunt for an internal promotion, make sure you spend more time chatting with a few of your seniors than you do having a drinking competition with your team.

It's also a time when a lot of the sexual tension that builds up in a work environment can get released, but it's imperative that you keep your senses. The number of sexual harassment cases that arise after company parties is huge and even something you thought was an innocent kiss could turn into a major issue.

Your partner's party
If you're invited you'll generally get a run through of the do's and don'ts from your partner beforehand. Don't ask John how his wife is (they divorced three weeks ago), don't ask Karen and Tony how their relationship is going (nobody else in the office knows) and definitely don't harass the boss about the poor pay the company offers.

You're there to support your partner, not ruin their career.

Getting your diary straight
In some industries, and especially around Christmas time, invitations can start to mount up. Organise your diary to work out where you need to be and when.

You need to prioritise your invites, not committing to everything straight away. If you're asked to an event in person you can easily manage this by saying you're not sure what your diary is looking like, but you will let them know as soon as possible.

If you say you're going to be there, make sure you are, or at least give a good excuse in plenty of time. Reliability is one of the key attributes employers look for and you don't know how your reputation could be tarnished by putting in a no-show.

Don't forget to plan in some rest and relaxation time. Going out night after night is going to take its toll and you'll still have to get on with your day job in the meantime.

Managing the hangover
Not everyone needs a drink to enjoy themselves, but those who do are often faced with a pounding headache and a desire to be anywhere but in the workplace.

Obviously the best thing to do is not drink the night before, but if you do make sure you have a pint of water before you go to bed, a couple of aspirins in the morning, a coffee and a hearty breakfast to see you through the day.