As if the holidays aren’t stressful enough, the added pressure of seasonal social functions is enough to make you sweat. You have enough work parties, family gatherings, and cookie exchanges to keep your head spinning the entire month of December. How do you make a good impression on your new boyfriend’s parents, the company CEO, or your distant relatives? Show off your good side and hide the bad, of course! Here are some things to remember during your merry mingling this year:

• Dress up
  Even if you expect an event to be casual, first impressions are key. If you’re meeting your future in-laws or trying to rub elbows with your boss, make sure you’re polished. You never know who you may meet! Down-to-earth Dogs and sporty Horses might need to go shopping for some fancier holiday clothes.
  
  
• Bring something
  Even if you’re just a guest, it’s never appropriate to show up empty-handed. A bottle of wine, an appetizer, or even just some fresh-cut flowers are great hostess gifts. Roosters and Dragons will love the chance to show off. Get something nice and you’ll impress the whole crowd.
  
  
• Less is more
  Surely you’ll be stuck in a corner with your nosy Aunt Edna or that conniving intern who’s vying for your job. Just because the champagne is flowing and it’s a party atmosphere doesn’t mean you have to reveal the intimate details of your life. Chatty Rats and Pigs probably need to be careful about spilling too much. If people are pummeling you with questions about your love life or career plans, keep your responses short, polite, and to the point.
  
  
• Work the room
  If you’re with someone else’s family or people you don’t know, make an effort to interact with everyone. Whether it’s a game of Scrabble with your boyfriend’s little sister or helping your mother-in-law in the kitchen, you’ll get a great review if you at least make the effort. Friendly Tigers and charming Snakes should have no problem scoring popularity points.

If there’s one particular person you want to impress, you should also brush up on the basics of his or her animal sign. Knowing your audience can give you an easy advantage when it comes to winning people over. With a little preparation, the right mindset, and a killer outfit, you can dazzle everyone this holiday season.