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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be annoyed about work Xmas party

56 replies

Anicebottleofwine · 14/12/2023 21:54

Paid for work Christmas party at a pub in local city centre. Whole staff email sent out last night to say the party will be outside in the beer garden so bring a big coat.

I was really looking forward to it (don't get chance to go on nights out much), had nice outfit planned but don't fancy sitting on wooden benches and walking around on a gravel floor in nice trousers/heels...never mind the food being served outside which will be cold.

Why would anyone think a Christmas party outside is going to be fun? I wouldn't have paid for it if I'd known and most staff said same today. I was all for going on the tax with no coat on when I was 20 but not now I'm a dull older woman 😁

OP posts:
Changingplace · 14/12/2023 21:56

That’s ridiculous! I’d ask for my money back, they can’t expect you to eat a meal sat outside, just no.

Leafysuburb · 14/12/2023 21:57

I won't even go to an Xmas so where I have to stand. Ours was some cool wine bar that gen z probably frequent but I decided that standing all night while shouting at my colleagues over music wasn't going to be fun.

Nineteendays · 14/12/2023 22:00

I’d be really pissed off. It’s December. I’m always cold so would find that so uncomfortable no matter how big my coat. Did your bosses or whoever organised it know it was outside or did the venue just spring it on you all?

RampantIvy · 14/12/2023 22:09

I expect that if people do turn up it will be the shortest party ever. Eat food and leave.

Greenpolkadot · 14/12/2023 22:09

Who organized it ? Why would they think outside in probably bad weather eating cold food was a good idea..?

InSpainTheRain · 14/12/2023 22:15

I definitely be thinking of not going, but if you do then jeans, flats, sweater.amd big coat!

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 14/12/2023 22:17

It’s ridiculous. I wouldn’t go. I don’t pay to be uncomfortable.

CampervanKween · 14/12/2023 22:17

That's so stupid, who's organised that? I get reynauds in the cold so it would be a no from me.

Frasers · 14/12/2023 22:17

do they not have heaters outside, otherwise that’s ludicrous.

MissBuffyAnneSummers · 14/12/2023 22:18

God that sounds bloody awful. Ask for your money back.

CampervanKween · 14/12/2023 22:18

There's a place in Manchester called Freight Island which is outside but it's really nice actually. Lots of heaters and inside areas to dance. If it's somewhere like that, would be OK.

43ontherocksporfavor · 14/12/2023 22:18

That would require a while different outfit.

SleepingBeautySnores · 14/12/2023 22:22

It would be a definite no from me! I too would like to know if whoever organised it was aware of this right from the start, or whether it's been sprung on you by the venue. If the venue, then the organiser should cancel and get the money back, if not the venue, tell the organiser you want your money back, as you wouldn't have signed up to go had you known.

PepsiCoco · 14/12/2023 22:22

I definitely would not be going but need more info. Did the organisers know?

BashfulClam · 14/12/2023 22:25

I live in Scotland, no chance would I go to this!

threecupsofteaminimum · 14/12/2023 22:25

Total piss take.

FirstTimeTTC989 · 14/12/2023 22:26

Who the hell organised this? I'd ask for my money back and get a few other people riled up too, you should all kick up a fuss.

CoatOfArms · 14/12/2023 22:29

The paranoid about Covid people would love that.

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 14/12/2023 22:32

I wouldn't go

WhatsInStoreFor2024 · 14/12/2023 22:33

Why outside? Germs? Or....for the vapers benefit?

thedamnseason · 14/12/2023 22:34

Need more info. Was this always the plan or new details they're sharing. It could be a really nicely done area with heaters and blankets or it could be grim.

ThinWomansBrain · 14/12/2023 22:35

trying to recreate the spirit of 2020?

bonkers idea

idontlikealdi · 14/12/2023 22:37

Sounds crappy, it's not 2020!

HeddaGarbled · 14/12/2023 22:46

Sounds like there’s been a double-booking or other mistake. Hence the last minute information.

junebirthdaygirl · 14/12/2023 23:04

My dd had a party last week and it was outside. When she heard that she was not impressed even though she is quite an outdoor person normally. She thought: this won't work! But she had a ball. Said everyone was so chilled and the atmosphere seemed different and they all had a great night. Not being able to sit would be worse for me. But not being able to get all dressed up is disappointing. As they may move inside as the night goes on you will still need your outfit but we'll layered up.