The Invitation
Don't insist that all staff attend the Christmas party. Christmas is a Christian holiday, so don't pressure someone to attend if they don't want to on religious grounds.
Secret Santa
If you ask people to bring 'Secret Santa' gifts, make sure they are inoffensive. Things like underwear and sex toys could be seen as harassment.
Husbands, wives and life partners
If you're inviting employees' partners don't forget to include partners of the opposite and same sex, to avoid potential sexual orientation discrimination claims.
Avoid 'tipple tapple'
Avoid discussing promotion or pay increases with employees. They are likely to expect any career promises to be kept - even if you can't remember the conversation!
Curb drink driving
You are responsible for your employees' actions after they have consumed alcohol provided by you.Hire a minibus or provide the numbers of local taxis.
Don't expect miracles the morning after
Decide how lenient you're going to be to staff coming to work with a hangover, arriving late, or even not at all. Advise them not to drink too much or better still have the party on a night when they don't have to work the next day.
Age limits
Don't allow under-18s to drink. In one case, an employer was found responsible for the death of a girl at an office party due to alcohol poisoning.
Misguided by mistletoe
Your policies on harassment, bullying and discrimination still apply so make sure everyone knows it. You could end up paying for unwanted advances between workers if a tribunal rules that such behaviour was harassment.
Free booze
Be careful if you provide free drink. In one case, three employees got drunk and had a fight after a seminar. They successfully argued that their dismissals were unfair because their employer had provided a free bar - and therefore condoned their behaviour.
Don't ignore drugs in the loos
It is an offence for an employer to knowingly permit or ignore the use, production or supply of any uncontrolled drugs, taking place on their premises.
Don't let this spoil your party - enjoy!
Jacqui Mann is managing director of HR4Nurseries (www.HR4nurseries.co.uk)