Hi!
I hope that someone can help with this question.
My dh new boss is having a Christmas open house this Saturday. I've never been to one, and have no idea what the proper time to spend there would be. I wouldn't want to leave too early, but staying too long would be just as rude.
So, how about it --- how long should we stay?

That is easy - watch to see when seasoned employees start to leave. That will be a good signal of when to leave. Sometimes it can be a drop in event and other times it will be several hours. So allow about 2 hours but if it starts to thin out before be prepared to leave a little earlier.

How fun for you!
You didn't mention the hours of the party, so I'll guess from 3 to 5pm.
We get loads of these type of invites, probably because we live in a big City. We get dressed up, bring a small hostess gift (candy, usually), then plan to stay probably an hour or a little longer. Long enough to say hello to everyone, thank the hosts for being included (people don't hear enough thanks IMHO), then be sure to say goodbye to the hosts on the way out.

Have a great time!

Thanks for the replies!

The hours of the party are 6pm to 10pm and instead of a hostess gift, they are requesting everyone bring a new unwrapped toy for donation.
I have to say that I am very nervous about going - it has been a long time since my dh had a boss that hosted a holiday party of any kind.

I've no idea if non employees are also invited (ie neighbors, friends, etc..). On the invitation it did say informal. I don't know....I'm probably overthinking this. AUGH!

Yep - you're probably overthinking it. Walk in with your husband. Smile and be charming. Have fun.

However, remember:
Nerves and alcohol don't mix. Be careful IF alcohol is served and IF you drink.

I'll echo Sherry's sentiments -- watch the amount you drink -- no more than one -- you don't want to embarrass your husband . . . and don't be the first to leave but don't be the last either. When you see people start to leave, it would be okay to bid goodbye as well.

I've always thought an open house was a "come and go" affair -- you came sometime during the period, got a bite to eat and a drink, visited, thanked your hostess/host and then left . . . in our town, it's the start and end time of the party!

Have fun and do enjoy yourself!

Martha

quote:

Originally posted by lilsam:
Thanks for the replies!

The hours of the party are 6pm to 10pm and instead of a hostess gift, they are requesting everyone bring a new unwrapped toy for donation.

What a wonderful suggestion! I will have to remember that for future Christmas parties.

quote:

Originally posted by Linderhof:

I've always thought an open house was a "come and go" affair -- you came sometime during the period, got a bite to eat and a drink, visited, thanked your hostess/host and then left . . .

Martha

Indeed, it is a come and go event. That's the nice thing about open houses, even if it is a command performance for all the employees.

I'll echo what the others said: Relax. Sip only one beverage. Listen more than talk. Relax. Stay away from loaded subjects. Relax. Enjoy.

I would add...mingle. I suggest this from experience. This is a good opportunity to meet everyone. If the men are too into sports (or heaven forbid, politics!)or biz topics, you might just have things in common with a female employee/employer or wife. Smile and be a good listener. Above all...relax and be yourself.

Good info here...especially about just one drink and make sure you've had some food first; I've seen some 'disasters' happen especially if someone is NOt used to drinking alcohol.

lilsam, Well, the party is probably over by now so I won't post any suggestions ~ lots of good ones above, by the way. Hope you post back and let us know how it went.

So what happened?

Yes, please let us know...

(BTW, I thought whaaaaaaa...is it Christmas planning againnnnnn????????? ))))