Well, my feet are sore, my back is stiff; I am whipped and ready for bed. I just got home after organizing and hosting the annual staff party. I think it went well.
It all started a year ago at last year’s staff party. I was so dismayed at the state our staff party had become that I kind of ranted on my old blog. I not only complained on the lack of spirit, I gave advice on what was needed to make a better party.
My original thought was to have the party at night, invite spouses, to make it a real celebration. Well, I couldn’t convince the administration to make the change, we ended up with our usual afternoon tea.
We used to call our party the Christmas Tea, then as the library needed to become more politically correct, it became the Holiday Tea. It got to the point where we couldn’t even call it that. Still, just calling it “the tea” seemed to lack importance. I decided it would be Winterfest 2008. The theme: a forest of snow covered pines, bare branches with snowflakes hanging off of them, icicle lights along the food table and small, battery-lit tea candles in small jars on all tables surrounded by fluffy snow. The lights were low for atmosphere and the music was Charlie Brown-style jazz. You remember, like the music from the cartoon specials.
I realized that with everyone’s busy schedule, it is difficult to bring potluck….but I still asked for staff to bring an appetizer, canned foods for the local pantry or mittens collected for another local organization. I wanted those that came to the party to feel as though they were a part of the party; to be actively involved, something missing in the past few years.
My favorite idea was to get my friend who works in the community relations department to put together a powerpoint slide show of staff, patrons and programs. She did a great job and the slideshow turned out to be the hit of the party. It was a great conversation starter and those that used to fill their plates then leave, stayed to watch, reminisce and visit.
It was a lot of work. The best part was playing hostess, greeting everyone at the door, keeping the punch bowl and food table full and not needing to worry about rushing back to work.
I started the day at 7:30 this morning and washed the last platters and walked out the door at 7:00 this evening. A long day to spend on my feet.
Through the Looking Glass 
You’ll sleep good. Well done. Parties aren’t any good like they use to be but you made it so! People don’t know what to do with each other and so to avoid the uncomfortable feeling –they leave. It’s rewarding getting them to stay. Congrats on being able to put on a classy party. It’s not that easy..like you said.
That is a long day, but it sounds like fun, and you also did good work for a couple of charities — sounds very GOOD to me. 🙂
Thanks so much. The sad part is, I was so busy that I never got to take any pictures. I am hoping that someone else did.
Jill ..it sounds like you did an amazing job girl !
It is so ridiculous now with being politically correct.
You would think the NATO International library where I worked in Holland would have had a rather difficult time with parties and so many nationalities ? NOPE !
We had a blast and I became even more popular when I brought in “Moose Milk” .. a Canadian tradition within our military .. needless to say .. spirits did rise exponentially with the “milk” consumed ! LOL
You did a great job .. now put your feet up and relax ! : )
Joy, I had the whole day off today so I spent it laying around reading. Very mellow. I agree that in an effort to become politically correct, we’ve lost a lot of spirit and personality.
About 3 or4 years ago the library administration decreed no more decorated Christmas trees or lights to celebrate the season; no more displayed Christmas cards from friendly patrons or venders. This also includes decorating for Easter and Halloween. I’ve heard that public schools are going the same way. In an effort to not offend anyone, they still lose.
Enough soapboxing! What in the world is Moose Milk? I’m intrigued!
Jill .. Moose Milk .. it is one extremely potent Canadian seasonal drink .. not like eggnog exactly .. more vanilla ice creamy (everyone does it a little differently) .. with liquors and spiced rum … and all sorts of dangerous concoctions that you would never imagine could taste so good in your life .. it is the “after the party affect” that maybe be a bit much to handle .. groan moan headache ? LOL
But my library gang LOVED it so much they couldn’t wait for each Christmas to roll round and have my hubby dressed up as Santa and bring it in for them .. it was an international hit ! : )
Yum! Sounds like my kind of party drink.
I missed a holiday party today for a group I’m in because I couldn’t open the newsletter on my new computer. Larry and I had gone out for coffee, and when we got home, I had missed a call from a friend, asking me if I wanted to ride with her. I almost went an hour late, but decided to stick with my original plan of Larry and I cleaning out the garage so I can get my car in it. I’m glad we did.
Oh, and I hope someone took pictures of yours, and that you had a good time, in spite of the limitations!
Sue