Unfortunately, it comes with being the manager of the Ale House. Yay me!
I am not resistant to different ideas. Just saying what was thought of. If I had it all worked out, I wouldn't have come here asking for ideas & input.
I just talked to a place that can provide Turkey or Ham dinners, including 3 sides and cost is $75 for a "meal" that serves 6 - 8. I can get just a Turkey Breast or Spiral Ham $35. So if we need to serve 60 people that is $750 without the added costs of proving the soft drinks, appetizers, and desserts plus everything else looks to be close to $1,000. I am not counting any cost for the beer because that is minimal. Maybe the boss will be okay with this but it seems like a lot to me.
The bosses reason for having this get together is to say thank you for sticking by us during the hard times. There is no way to do it during the day, during working hours. After work hours is the only feasible time. I get that having the Friday before what is a four day weekend for us is not ideal. And I will bring this up to him again when we finalize things.
I would change this to a holiday happy hour and have it on a weekday right after work. As a thank u the boss could provide beverages and snacks.
Update & other questions: (from updated 1st post)
We will be providing a simple meal (lasagna, salad, bread) as well a few appetizers, beer & soft drinks. We will ask for people to sign up to bring an appetizer or dessert (if they want).
Other questions:
What time do we set out the main meal? The party is from 5pm - 9pm. Appetizers will be set out by 4:30p for the early birds (the majority of employees get off at 4:30 and some will come straight from work). I expect most to arrive between 5:15 - 5:30.
Do we offer one main dish (lasagna) or do I get a variety of main dishes (lasagna, ravioli, spaghetti, baked ziti?). The issue would be there would not be enough of everything for everyone. Do we ask what the employees preference is for the main dish?
Do we play Christmas music only, Christmas Music with a mix of happy/upbeat music, or no Christmas music?
There will be a mix of meat & veggie option plus a vegan option. That is one thing I am very intune to is trying making sure there are options for "everyone." One thing I can't guarantee is gluten free (other than the salad).2) I think variety is nice and I agree that having 2 options is ideal (maybe one meat-based and one veg?).
As someone that is gluten free, sometimes it ticks me off that people that choose to be vegan are covered but those of us that have to eat gluten free aren't. Just let anyone that needs to be gluten free, that there won't be anything for them. (Most salads have croutons which makes them not gluten free, and a tossed salad isn't a meal anyway.)There will be a mix of meat & veggie option plus a vegan option. That is one thing I am very intune to is trying making sure there are options for "everyone." One thing I can't guarantee is gluten free (other than the salad).
I would just leave early if I didn't want to stay that long.Four hours sounds like a really long time for a party that isn't on the clock. Honestly, that might put me off of attending.
As someone that is gluten free, sometimes it ticks me off that people that choose to be vegan are covered but those of us that have to eat gluten free aren't. Just let anyone that needs to be gluten free, that there won't be anything for them. (Most salads have croutons which makes them not gluten free, and a tossed salad isn't a meal anyway.)
I would just leave early if I didn't want to stay that long.
(Well, I wouldn't go, since there wouldn't be anything that I could eat.)
With alcohol, people will generally stick around.
Most won't attend the entire time. Most will arrive at 5:30ish and most likely be gone before 8pm. But there will be people who will try to get me to stay longer, so they can drink more. Back in the hey-day Christmas parties were 5 - midnight or later, with live band, a visit from Santa, full dinner, etc.Four hours sounds like a really long time for a party that isn't on the clock. Honestly, that might put me off of attending.
If it is known that someone is GF I would OF COURSE accommodate them but as far as I know this isn't an issue. But as mentioned above, cross-contaimiation is still going to be an issue. What would you suggest?As someone that is gluten free, sometimes it ticks me off that people that choose to be vegan are covered but those of us that have to eat gluten free aren't.
If you know that no one needs to be accommodated, then I wouldn't worry about it.If it is known that someone is GF I would OF COURSE accommodate them but as far as I know this isn't an issue. But as mentioned above, cross-contaimiation is still going to be an issue. What would you suggest?
FYI the salad WON'T have croutons.
I am still interested in what you would suggest. I don't "know" that no one is GF, but it is not known if they are. As far as I know the place we are getting the food from does not have any GF options.If you know that no one needs to be accommodated, then I wouldn't worry about it..
Well, when my company knows I will be there for a meal, they ensure that they have something for me. (Not really a company, I work for a church.)I am still interested in what you would suggest. I don't "know" that no one is GF, but it is not known if they are. As far as I know the place we are getting the food from does not have any GF options.
And what do they get for you? That is what I want to know. I am not GF, I have no clue what someone who is GF would like to eat.Well, when my company knows I will be there for a meal, they ensure that they have something for me. (Not really a company, I work for a church.).
Smothered Baked potato, from McAlister's deli is common around here. Spaghetti with gluten free pasta. Grilled chicken with a veggie side. Any meat that isn't breaded.And what do they get for you? That is what I want to know. I am not GF, I have no clue what someone who is GF would like to eat.
The salad will be GF. But I have no clue on the main course what to get for someone who is GF.
I find that most people who truly have to eat gluten-free (or who have allergies, such as dairy) tend to prefer to bring their own food, since cross-contamination and hidden ingredients are very real concerns. They generally are happy to attend parties and just bring what they can safely eat.
Dd14’s dance school just had their annual pizza party, I paid the $10 for her, fed her in advance, and sent her with gluten free cookies. Tonight is her soccer dinner, I’ll feed her ahead of time, she’ll have some salad, $20.
Anyone whose health could be severely negatively impacted by eating a common allergen needs to be responsible for themselves instead of relying on others who may or may not understand their needs.
There will be a mix of meat & veggie option plus a vegan option. That is one thing I am very intune to is trying making sure there are options for "everyone." One thing I can't guarantee is gluten free (other than the salad).