Selecting which invitations to accept can be complex. Holiday parties are a big outing for parents with small kids because there’s a lot to put in place to make it happen including an outfit, babysitting, gifts, donations and transportation.

My husband and I work for two very different organizations and the holiday parties were a clear reflection. His, in a gorgeous downtown hotel with everything included from a photo booth to dessert, many drinks in between and cab fare home. They also took the opportunity to acknowledge employees with generous gift cards for a job well done. Mine was self-pay, a ‘re-gift’ gift exchange and a car ride to and from squished in with several colleagues. I’m not complaining because it was a lot of fun. We made it fun by getting together before hand, chipping in for a couple nice bottles of wine to enjoy prior to the dinner. Piling into a car for a lift down was reminiscent of university days. They were simply two very different experiences.

At both events, leadership took the opportunity to sincerely thank staff for their contribution.

You know, the parties which have been the most fun are low key and have a few important ingredients:

• Friends
• Warm environment
• Food
• Drink
• A relaxed atmosphere

This has more to do with planning a party with your guests in mind than how much it costs to host it.