‘Tis the season for Christmas parties. Lots of them, everywhere, all the time. At work, with friends, with neighbours. Surely you’re happy about that? Who doesn’t love a party after all? Well…anyone who is slightly hormonal & a bit overtired may not be feeling quite so sparkly about the non-stop parties. That’s particularly the case for people who are pregnant or who have a very new baby.
Here are three thoughts from the Bb London team on how to survive (nay, even enjoy) the festive frivolities if you are pregnant, a new mum… or even just a bit cream crackered!
1. How to look like you’re drinking without drinking.
I’m a gin and tonic girl; love the stuff. But obviously ‘mother’s ruin’ doesn’t work when you’re pregnant and many people want to cut down on their alcohol consumption.
It’s tricky not drinking when everyone else is. Soft drinks can, frankly,be dullsville. It’s particularly hard if you don’t want people to know you’re not drinking (too early in the pregnancy perhaps… or you just don’t want to drink and everyone will call you a killjoy).
A friend of mine claimed she’d converted to Mormonism the other day to stave off the beer bullies. Unfortunately someone at the same party was also a Mormon and engaged her in a tricky conversation about bigamy so that’s not one she’ll try again.
If you want to avoid such extreme porkie-pies, bear in mind that it is often very easy to hold one glass of wine or champagne for a while without people realising you’re not drinking it. Distract people with sparkling conversation and it’s amazing how easy it is to get away with this. This is especially straightforward at a cocktail party & you can slip off and leave the glass somewhere or empty it surreptitiously in the bathroom.
Alternatively, get a drink yourself from the bar and get a lovely big glass of tonic with slice and ice. It’s a really refreshing drink and no-one can tell that you’re not drinking gin with it.
3. Wonder Wedges
If you are a heel lover, try some soft flat shoes you can now get to tuck in your bag to make sure you don’t have to teeter to the taxi or tube in your stilettos. They can be found very cheaply – or splash out on something special like these lovely Lanvins from Net-a-Porter.
Heals do a cute pair in a little purse for £45.
Pregnant and need some heels for height, confidence and a bit of added va-va-voom? The shops are full of great winter wedges at the moment – boots and dressier, funkier shoes like these sweet black suede wedges by Kors or there are cheaper alternatives at Kurt Geiger.
They’ll give you the extra something without making you feel unbalanced.
3. The Password and The Deal.
Going to a party you’re feeling nervous about or just don’t really want to go to? (Maybe your other half’s work event which can sometimes be a strain?)
We suggest you agree with the person you’re going with on a password which when you use when you really can’t take any more. It can be as simple as you using the word ‘sweetie’ or ‘darling’ if they aren’t terms you normally use.
The password when used is the hint to them to wrap things up with an excuse to leave. It’s good to have an excuse prepared (‘the babysitter/the last tube/the fact that you are pregnant’). You’ll need to agree this deal in advance but if you’re driving then it’s a pretty good deal. Just make sure they don’t overdo the Christmas Spirits and forget the password otherwise you’ll find yourself saying ‘darling’ over and over in a very cross tone!
Do let us know any other tips and ideas for enjoying a party when you’re a little under par! It happens to us all at times:-)
