The dreaded office party...

[scarlettdouble]

Can you believe it's that time of year again to plan the office party. This is always such a painful experience for me. I enjoy most of the people I work with - AT WORK. However, they are not people I would choose to hang out with outside of work, and so the drama ensues. What are some things your office has done to celebrate the season that everyone seems to like?

[Sandra C]

We usually have a catered or off-site luncheon, plus host a very nice open house. Everyone who works there and their significant other is invited to the open house, so that's about 40. But there are many more colleagues and clients, and it's nice to chat with them in a relaxed atmosphere.

I once worked at a firm whose party was at a large hotel. It was a seated dinner with open bar and great band. But, as my grandmother used to say, you can't take some people ANYWHERE! (That was also a much larger office, and the sheer numbers added to the probability of some folks acting a fool.)

[Pool Lady]

Amen Scarlett! The only parties that seem to work at my job, is where we each bring a dish or those who don't cook, supply the paper items and drinks. That keeps it simple.

[sarahcook]

We always set up dinner at a really nice restaurant for all the employees who were in town - at a different restaurant every year. It was nice to see people and their spouses in a different environment.

[Licia]

The best thing I can say about the office party is that we are retired and don't have to go anymore.

[MindaAnn]

SD, I feel your pain!!:D Jim is retired military but then he worked for quite a few years in the private sector in engineering......in that time, we attended three office parties. As Sandra's grandmother said "you can't take some people ANYWHERE!):D (Smart woman, Sandra!) Each of the parties we attended were held in large hotels....unfortunately, some people should NOT drink in public! Or, if they do drink away from home they should use very tiny glasses! At any rate, after the last party, before we had cleared the door, Jim said that's the last party we'll attend and I said AMEN!:D

[MindaAnn]

SD, I feel your pain!!:D Jim is retired military but then he worked for quite a few years in the private sector in engineering......in that time, we attended three office parties. As Sandra's grandmother said "you can't take some people ANYWHERE!):D (Smart woman, Sandra!) Each of the parties we attended were held in large hotels....unfortunately, some people should NOT drink in public! Or, if they do drink away from home they should use very tiny glasses! At any rate, after the last party, before we had cleared the door, Jim said that's the last party we'll attend and I said AMEN!:D

I must give credit to my cousin for the use of her favorite item! Thanks, Susan!

[Angela Macy]

My office has "Shindigs" every few months, normally near a holiday. Sometimes it's just my office of 12 people, and other times we invite two other near by offices and have 25-30 people. We have it at our office, during our lunch break. Everyone brings an assigned item - some bring food, some bring cups, drinks or plates, etc. We will sometimes do a little game or give a small prize - like putting numbers on the bottom of the plates and then picking one, winner get $5 or whatever. This year I've got a Christmas Carol game (on paper) that we're going to use for some entertainment.

They've been a big hit and something we look forward to.

However, if this was not done at work during our lunch break I would not enjoy it. Like Scarlett, I like my coworkers at work, but after we spend 40 hours a week together, it's time for me to spend time with my friends and family.

I've never been to a office party after hours....I simply couldn't tourment my husband like that. It would be extremely awkward for him as he doesn't have anything in common with the people I work with....I don't really either beyond work.

[Ozark Moon]

We have ours at the local country club. The meal is nice and we play a few ice breaker games. Like Christmas trivia or questions and answer games. There are always door prizes too. Those are the best part.:D

One thing that we do is that everyone gets two drink tickets on arrival. That limits most people as to how much they will indulge.

[kayhil]

We take our employees (7 of them) out for Christmas at a restaurant of their choice. We don't do games and none of us drink so there's never a problem. It's always nice to eat and chat. At most of the other functions we have to attend they give out two drink tickets to those who drink just so there won't be a problem with anyone.

[scarlettdouble]

My office has "Shindigs" every few months, normally near a holiday. Sometimes it's just my office of 12 people, and other times we invite two other near by offices and have 25-30 people. .

What a great idea to invite another office. I think I may suggest this to the doctors on Monday. Maybe we can team up with an office that we often refer special cases to and actually have some fun this year! :rolleyes:

[krichbourg]

I absolutely LOVE it when my husband has a "work" party. He's a teacher and I love the ladies that he works with! ha ha This year, one of his co-workers and I are planning a progressive dinner (which will also include our home). I absolutely LOVE a party, period...and I enjoy the socializing. However, I think that it's probably different for me, since I don't see these people as much as my DH does. ha ha

[scarlettdouble]

I absolutely LOVE it when my husband has a "work" party. He's a teacher and I love the ladies that he works with! ha ha This year, one of his co-workers and I are planning a progressive dinner (which will also include our home). I absolutely LOVE a party, period...and I enjoy the socializing. However, I think that it's probably different for me, since I don't see these people as much as my DH does. ha ha

Welcome! You and I are going to get along just fine in the party department. I love a party too (as long as I love the people going to the party ;) ). Can't wait to read some of your ideas for parties.

[Angela Macy]

I absolutely LOVE it when my husband has a "work" party. He's a teacher and I love the ladies that he works with! ha ha This year, one of his co-workers and I are planning a progressive dinner (which will also include our home). I absolutely LOVE a party, period...and I enjoy the socializing. However, I think that it's probably different for me, since I don't see these people as much as my DH does. ha ha

Welcome! I saw you post about where to get ideas on how to decorate your Chrismtas tree but I don't have any suggestions for you - I'm not much of a decorator but I LOVE to plan parties. I

[blondetwin]

I absolutely LOVE it when my husband has a "work" party. He's a teacher and I love the ladies that he works with! ha ha This year, one of his co-workers and I are planning a progressive dinner (which will also include our home). I absolutely LOVE a party, period...and I enjoy the socializing. However, I think that it's probably different for me, since I don't see these people as much as my DH does. ha ha


Our church had a progressive dinner last year and had such a blast with it! My house was the first house for the salad course. If you need any ideas just let me know and I can try and help!

[Macey]

I have been with my company several years. In the beginning I really enjoyed going but in the last nine or so years I do not go anymore. I think the world of everyone I work with. I wished we could just have a catered lunch while at work.