Too pooped to party? The holiday parade of client and office soirees can run you ragged. Rather than ducking behind a waiter and darting out the door, follow these tips on graceful exits from Jeanne Hamilton, founder of EtiquetteHell.com. Slip away from boring small talk by making eye contact with someone else across the room and saying, "Oh, it's Ellen. I haven't talked to her in weeks. Would you excuse me for a few minutes?" Or wave someone near to you into the conversation and cut out once the chatting starts. Then make your way to the host to say thanks and tell her that although you'd love to stay, your babysitter beckons.