Home for the Holiday Party
Some of you will be invited to office parties in your boss’s home. These can be especially tricky. In these cases, it’s important to be extremely sensitive to the time and effort the boss’s spouse, partner or significant other may have invested in preparing for the event.
Recently, one of our associates, Alison, hosted her husband’s office party in their home. From the perspective of a host or hostess, Alison has some useful Dos and Don’ts!
1. RSVP. If the invitation calls for an RSVP, respond as quickly as possible indicating whether you will attend or not. If the invitation is extended by e-mail, an e-mail response is appropriate. “Coming,” in the subject line of the e-mail, is perhaps not the best way to indicate your intent!
2. Children. If the party invitation is addressed to you and your family, then children are invited to attend. If “family” or “children” is not specifically mentioned, then assume that your children are not invited.
3. Food. If the party is of the potluck variety, bring something that will serve 4 – 6 people. If you wish to bring an item that requires some preparation at the host’s home, enquire beforehand whether the right appliances/utensils/warming facilities are available. If the host doesn’t have what you need, don’t offer to bring your own toaster oven. Instead, prepare a different dish! If you don’t cook, it’s perfectly appropriate to bring a prepared food from your local grocery store, wine, or other beverage.
4. Gifts. Show your appreciation to the host/hostess by giving them a small gift. This gift doesn’t need to be expensive. A small bouquet of flowers, chocolates, a bottle of wine, or a special coffee/tea. Any of these will be appreciated.
5. Weather. At this time of year, weather is a consideration! If you’ve been invited to an event and can’t attend due to weather, please call and let the host know. If you’re the host and it beomces obvious that everyone is snowed in, pop a few corks anyway. This may be the perfect opportunity to invite your neighbors over to dinner!
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