Office parties make return

The idea of an office Christmas party often conjures thoughts of champagne fountains, shrimp cocktails and at least one drunk employee photocopying his or her cheeks.

But fewer companies have held such grand soirees since 2000, as a down economy cut the fat from many companies' budgets. Now that the economy is on the upswing, the office holiday party is making a comeback.

According to Hewitt Associates, a global human resources outplacement firm, about 75 percent of companies will hold a holiday office party this year compared with 68 percent last year.

At the Savannah Rapids Pavilion in Columbia County, bookings for December are up almost 20 percent this year compared with 2003.

"We've picked up some new clients this year," said Sandy Boner, the pavilion's manager. "Some are smaller parties, 20 or 30 or 80 people, that are coming here having Christmas parties."

Terry Wick, the owner of The Club House on Washington Road, said he only has one open date left in December.

"Some of the ones we had last year, the smaller ones, have grown," Mr. Wick said. "I think people feel better about the country right now."

The higher expectations for the economy is translating into greater spending. Hewitt predicts the average party will cost $20,000, almost double the average cost in 2003.

Still, many parties will be fairly tame.

"I don't think that companies are going to be as lavish or extravagant like we saw in the late '90s," said John Challenger, the CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the nation's largest outplacement firm. "Companies are going to be much more cautious with their expenditures in holiday parties."

According to a study conducted by Mr. Challenger, more companies are turning toward simpler affairs, such as luncheons or potluck dinners, as a way of recognizing employees for a job well done.

"(A party is) not a reward or blowout," Mr. Challenger said. "It's more of a way of bringing the company together as a whole to celebrate and to mark the end of the year."

Washington Road catering company Very Vera, which only is handling parties with more than 100 people this holiday season, isn't seeing much demand for fancy parties.

Most customers are holding cocktail hours featuring a selection of hors d'oeuvres, said Kristin West, the company's sales and marketing director.

"I think people are trying to get away from formal parties," she said. "I think they want to have time to relax and enjoy."

Staff writer Adrian Burns contributed to this story.

Reach James Gallagher at (706) 823-3227 or james.gallagher@augustachronicle.com.

Play it safe

Parties can be a lot of fun, but there are things to be mindful of when partying with the boss:

 •  Act as though the boss is watching you, because he or she probably is

. •  Don't wear anything too flashy or revealing.

 •  Office parties are not the time to flirt or act inappropriately.

 •  Don't spend all night talking business.

 •  Keep one hand free to shake hands.

 •  Don't drink too much.

 •  Not everyone celebrates the same holiday, so be mindful of who you tell "Merry Christmas."

 •  Don't bring a spouse or guest if they aren't invited.

 •  Remember to thank the person responsible for arranging the party.

Source: www.quintcareers.com