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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:
EmmaEmerald · 14/12/2023 23:07

I would bet money this was known all along, it's not an error, it's been dine to save money

They would have left it last minute to say it's outdoors in the hope that fewer people would drop out, having committed to it. There'll surely be heaters but I wouldn't go.

EvilElsa · 14/12/2023 23:10

Is it patio heated? Undercover? I wouldn't be thrilled, but as long as I was under a heater I'd be ok!

jemenfous37 · 14/12/2023 23:24

@CoatOfArms Totally unnecessary and childish comment

Original poster
Anicebottleofwine · 15/12/2023 09:26

I'm not sure if the organisers knew about it.... certainly kept it quite if they did!

OP posts:
DiaNaranja · 15/12/2023 09:28

Hell to the no for that one

EmmaEmerald · 15/12/2023 09:30

Anicebottleofwine · 15/12/2023 09:26

I'm not sure if the organisers knew about it.... certainly kept it quite if they did!

You can picture them being told to keep schtum though

I'm freelance and got invited to something next week. I looked at the address and thought "there's a catch here"... too pricey for them to hire, they're not big 4 or anything...it's outdoors.

i'm now keeping quiet in case regular staff haven't been warned.

YourNameGoesHere · 15/12/2023 09:31

Fuck no would I attend a Christmas meal outside! I'm not surprised they kept it quiet no one would have agreed to attend if they knew!

I wouldn't be surprised if lots of people leave very swiftly if they turn up at all.

5PurpleDinosaurs · 15/12/2023 09:31

I suspect it was a smoker who organised that!

BrimfulOfMash · 15/12/2023 09:34

Double check: if the beer garden has been covered in a marquee with heaters they are really warm, and may have been ‘made nice’.

YourNameGoesHere · 15/12/2023 09:36

BrimfulOfMash · 15/12/2023 09:34

Double check: if the beer garden has been covered in a marquee with heaters they are really warm, and may have been ‘made nice’.

Seems very much wishful thinking given their own email says bring a big coat...

Riverlee · 15/12/2023 09:38

Unless it’s one of those pubs with a venue outside surrounded by twinkly lights and heaters, that’s ridiculous. But I’m guessing not as you would know this.

WandaWonder · 15/12/2023 09:39

Why would you wear heels to a pub outside?

WhereIsBebèsChambre · 15/12/2023 09:41

Smoker or Covid paranoid!
As Prince kind of said... 🎵 tonight you're gonna party like it 20-20-eneenty'🎵

ManateeFair · 15/12/2023 10:09

WandaWonder · 15/12/2023 09:39

Why would you wear heels to a pub outside?

I think the point the OP is making is that she had a nice outfit with heels planned BEFORE she was told it would be outside and is now annoyed that it won't be appropriate.

OP, I think it depends on the venue really. I had a really nice evening with colleagues the other week where we were mostly outside but, but it was sort of in an enclosed courtyard area with cover and heaters and fairy lights and none of us were cold or miserable. However, that was spontaneous rather than planned; I don't think I'd have deliberately planned an outside venue for a Christmas party. My guess is that they were double-booked. You'll have a good time when you've had a couple of drinks, I'm sure, but I can see why you're a bit miffed.

HighywayToHell · 15/12/2023 10:11

I wouldnt go, especially outside. As others said they might have got a marquee but if they havent its a really shit idea. What if its pissing it down that night? Do you sit on a wooden bench getting wet?

SweetFemaleAttitude · 15/12/2023 10:17

What's that saying again? Oh yes, 'fuck that for a game of soldiers'.

jay55 · 15/12/2023 10:44

Not telling you until after you've paid is so rude.

MadCatLady27 · 15/12/2023 11:18

It would be a big no from me I really feel the cold

I also like to be able to sit down. It annoys me if the music is so loud I have to shout to be heard

I'm only in my 30s but act like a grumpy old woman 😂

5PurpleDinosaurs · 15/12/2023 11:22

i would be quite annoyed tbh. I have arthritis and find the cold quite hard. My DS1 has cold urticaria which means exposure to cold anything (air, rain etc) brings him out in hives. I also have asthma and breathing in cold air (and cigarette smoke) causes me problems.

I don't think of myself as particularly precious- but I don't think I and DS are alone in having genuine medical issues relating to the cold. A pp mentioned Reynauds as well.

Eleganz · 15/12/2023 11:57

Nope, I'd be asking for my money back.
It will be single figures in temp this evening and damp in most places. No way I would be spending hours outside, not unless I was on a mission to be ill over Christmas.

EmmaEmerald · 15/12/2023 12:01

OP, I initially thought "paid for" party meant the company paid for it - I'm so sorry, my brain didn't absorb your line about paying yourself (SAD has ruined my brain completely).

I'd be furious and demanding money back. If you get a no, then take a sickie.

Maddy70 · 15/12/2023 12:04

Do they mean that after the food?

I would speak to the organiser and ask where the food is being served.

It could be in a barn conversions or something ..you need more detail

ginoohginoginelli · 15/12/2023 12:09

Oh that is rubbish! I'd also be asking for my money back.
How did the organisers mess that up??

CatamaranViper · 15/12/2023 12:11

I suppose it depends what sort of 'outside' it is.

As PP have said, there are plenty of places with 'outside' areas which are largely covered, heaters/fires etc then it'll be fab. If it's on a wooden bench with a flimsy parasol then it'll be shit.

Smellslikesummer · 15/12/2023 12:33

Definitely ask for your money back! I wonder if there are smokers part of the group in charge of booking a venue.
Regardless, I wouldn’t just say nothing, if enough people ask for their money back as venue unsuitable they might find a way to change it.