Husband's work christmas meal

[Poppysu]

My husband has a Christmas party coming up early next month, 3 course meal payed for by company at a posh restaurant. MIL has offered to babysit (I don't go out much at all really) husband said he's not bothered about going but said he was thought I would like to go to give me something to get dressed up for, which I do like but I CBA to sit with people I don't know and I
a social person too, I've been before and no one really talks and when DH got up from table to get drinks from the bar no one spoke to me on table and it felt really awkward. Im just wondering how many people go to these Christmas work doos with their partner's?

I've never been to a work do where partners were invited, it's always been for staff members only. When you've been before did many other people take their partners?

I've never gone to DH's Christmas party and he's never come to mine. It's normally not even an option but when it has been, I couldn't think of anything worse than making small talk with DH's colleagues. And I'm sure he feels the same way. I'd save the babysitting offer for a nice night out for the two of you!

It was full of couples last time, they allow you to take plus ones

If it’s paid for you could go along and when it’s finished the pair of you could break away and go somewhere together? It’s always a bit weird being with people you don’t know but hopefully there will be some friendlier people this year at your table, and it’ll be a nice treat to have a lovely meal and get dressed up. Mind you I have to pre prep conversations to fill in any silences!

We go to each others and have done for years (both worked in same places for many years). It's always been good company and good fun, nice to get to know other people's partners. Sounds as though you have been unlucky.

We never take partners. One shift I was on years ago invited parters once and they vowed never again. It just didn't work

For the last 2 years my current employer invited partners but this year it’s staff only. DH is self employed and works on his own so doesn’t get a works Christmas party. This year we’re having a Christmas Party night out together. Local hotel, dressed up, 3 course meal, drinks, dancing. Much better than having to make awkward conversation with your other half’s colleagues.

I’ve been to some of my dhs company work do’s. Not Christmas ones, but meet ups in various locations around the country from different head offices. It can be a faff, but I’ve seemed to have randomly ended up talking to ppl. It only takes a compliment or conversation starter about what the other person is wearing to kick off a conversation.
One do I went to and the CEO’s wife was there too. We’d bought a bottle of plonk and ended up chatting all night giggling like school girls. It was so funny.
It really depends if you’re sociable or not. Don’t force yourself. I’m not going to my works Christmas party this year.

I'm sure you'll be fine, just enjoy the meal. You don't have to bother about inane chit chat and tinkling laughter, I hate that. Just be yourself and look gorgeous, exude elegance.

Interested in the replies because my new workplace does this! I had never come across it. I get on with the wall but it does seem a bit more formal or something, rather than having a few relaxed drinks with colleagues you're having to do introductions and making sure nobody is standing alone/left out. I think it could be fun but if you're not comfortable I wouldn't stress and just have a cosy night at home.

Well you just break the ice first. It's so hot/cold here. Isn't it great that the firm pay for all this? Your drink looks interesting!
It's not hard, just say something. Anything.

If it's not a sit down do I have perfected a small smile with a glass in hand if I'm on my own for any length of time. Often I find someone to talk to and generally get things going by asking them stuff about themselves/their work and usually people love that.

If it's a sit down usually I can talk to a neighbour or just listen in looking interested. Sometimes faked.

Have to say though, a couple of glasses of wine help to ease any angst. Holding a glass that I never let fully empty is a useful prop.

It does help that Dh has a very interesting job with interesting people who also love to talk about themselves generally

Never known partners be invited - thank goodness!

I don’t think it works and I think it’s stops the person who works there from socialising with their colleagues.

I quite like going to DH's work do (much more than he does!). Like your husband said, I don't get a chance to get dressed up often! 😅 It's usually somewhere fancy and the company pays for the food and drinks, so it's really nice!

I couldn't be arsed with this tbh. Making small talk with people I don't know. I'd rather stay at home with a dominos

I used to go with my DH years ago but wouldn't now. I'd like the peaceful evening at home alone whilst he's out !