The Detail Department

When the Office Christmas Party lasts a whopping 17 hours but you still can’t squeeze in all the activities you had planned, you KNOW it’s a good time! For 14 years, my friend and colleague Kristin Sanders Detwiler and I have celebrated the holidays together because we both own our own event planning businesses and have no employees. The tradition began by having a lunch date, which lasted longer with each passing year. In 2020, we wanted to be responsible and not linger in a restaurant that had reduced seating due to the pandemic, so we had a socially-distanced gathering at my house. Now our party has evolved into more than just lunch – an eggnog toast, several meals, multiple dessert courses, a midnight snack, a holiday stroll to look at Christmas decorations, a Secret Santa gift exchange, a lengthy list of personal and industry topics to discuss that we maintain throughout the year, and more! We had a terrific day together and we loved finding out that we’re both still on Santa’s Nice List!

This was Office Christmas Party #13 – and there was nothing unlucky about it! I mean, we even found out we’re on Santa’s NICE list! My friend and colleague Kristin Sanders Detwiler and I celebrate the holidays together because we both own our own businesses and have no employees. The tradition began by having a nice lunch at a restaurant; our time together grew longer in duration every Christmas. In 2020, we had a socially-distanced gathering at my house to be socially responsible and not linger in a restaurant that had reduced seating due to the pandemic; now we don’t even discuss an alternative venue! It’s evolved into more than just lunch – three meals, a dessert tray, eggnog, continuous Christmas music, a Christmas candle, Christmas flowers, and a Secret Santa gift exchange. This year, we added a stroll to look at holiday decorations in the neighborhood, but we ran out of time for other activities – we may have to develop a schedule for next year! The highlight, though, was the jolly old man in a red suit showing us his list (we love lists of all kinds)! And for those keeping up, this party lasted 15.5 hours – our longest one yet!

We really need to get with the Guinness Book of World Records people, because I think we’re on to something - the 12th Annual Office Christmas Party was a whopping 15 hours this year! My friend and colleague Kristin Detwiler and I celebrate the holidays together because we both own our businesses and have no employees. We started this tradition having a nice lunch at a restaurant; our time together grew longer in duration every Christmas. In 2020, we had a socially-distanced gathering at my house to be socially responsible and not linger in a restaurant that had reduced seating due to the pandemic. We enjoyed it so much that we’ve continued in the new setting. With three delicious meals, a dessert tray, mimosas, eggnog, continuous Christmas music, three centerpieces, and the ever-popular Secret Santa gift exchange, there was absolutely no chance for any outcome other than having a terrific time!

This year's Office Christmas Party was EPIC! For 11 years, my friend and colleague Kristin Detwiler and I have celebrated the holidays together because we both own our businesses and have no employees. We started this tradition with a nice luncheon that grew longer in duration every Christmas. Last year, we had a socially-distanced gathering at my house to be socially responsible and not linger in a restaurant that had reduced seating due to the pandemic. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to do it again this year. Because we are both event planners, it's safe to say that we felt compelled to take it to the next level - so we did! Yesterday, we spent 13.5 hours together, ate two delicious meals (one that included mimosas!), indulged on a tasty dessert tray, had a Secret Santa gift exchange (it's always a mystery!), and had a truly wonderful day. And we may or may not have discussed ideas for next year!

Everything looks a little different this year, including the annual Office Christmas Party. For the last 10 years, my friend and colleague Kristin Detwiler and I have celebrated the holidays together because we both own our own businesses and do not have any employees. We usually have a nice luncheon that lasts several hours, but we didn't think it would be socially responsible to linger in a restaurant that has reduced seating due to the pandemic - so we had a socially distanced gathering at my house instead. The one thing that didn't change is that I still have the BEST Secret Santa ever!

Our ninth annual Office Christmas Party was fabulous, as always! I love celebrating with my friend and colleague Kristin Detwiler - we both own our own businesses and do not have any employees. The Secret Santa gift exchange is the best part!

Check out this gorgeous view from a client reception earlier this evening at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront!

Vendor Shout-Out...For a two-day meeting yesterday and today, my client is enjoying these delicious creations from Kitchen Vixen!

Congratulations to our friends at Ranco Event Rentals and EmployAbility on this great partnership!

Best wishes to our friend and colleague, Diana Morrison, who celebrated the 31st anniversary of her business, Advertising Specialty Services, today!

Yesterday, Harkleroad Diamonds & Fine Jewelry was pleased to donate a portion of proceeds from its annual Holiday Open House to EmployAbility (formerly Coastal Center for Developmental Services). Caleb Harkleroad, center, presented the check to Dr. Ken Boyd, right, Executive Director, and Laura Lane McKinnon, left, Director for Organizational Advancement.