I work alone from my home office. Running your own business is great, but it can make you a bit paranoid. Last year was tough and, as my only employee, I really carried the can.

When December finally arrived, I felt a Christmas party was needed to reward effort and boost morale.

Before

I asked for volunteers to form a committee. Naturally, I was the only one who gave a damn. This didn’t really worry me, since administration is my strong suit. After squabbling over the budget, I decided not to allow partners. You build a better team that way anyway.

I couldn't agree on a venue, so I opted to have the party at the office. I did the invitation myself, after the damn printer said he couldn't be bothered with such a small run. The name tags didn't take long either.

The RSVPs came back straight away, with 100% acceptance. I took it as a good omen. I got a permit from the council for noise after 6:00pm and even sourced a Portaloo in case there was a queue. No one was going to accuse me of slipshod organisation.

Though I knew it’d be unpopular, I opted for light beer. Someone had to look out for company liability. By way of compensation, I ordered a wide range of appetisers. Even those horrible spurty asparagus vo-au-vents that burn the roof of your mouth. Like they say, it takes all sorts.

Anyone who’s organised a Christmas party knows what a time consuming and thankless task it is. My sole reward for chairing the committee was that I got to choose where I sat.

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