Organising a Lunch or Dinner-Issues

Nyonya fare

In some ways, getting old friends and colleagues together annually to re-bond can be gratifying.

The organiser, with the best of intentions, emails,phones and sms his colleagues to get an indication of  attendance.

He then scouts for a good restaurant and then selects the menu.

Then on  the day itself, he hopes there will be an ardent photographer at hand, to capture the memories of the fleeting moments of camaraderie.

On the downside, do expect this.

Some of these colleagues, perhaps been cocooned for too long in their own lives and having a 'separatist mindset' , will get cold feet and come up with an array of flimsy excuses like house renovation and even teaching their kids driving, to get in the way of attendance.

Surprisingly, you also have to attend to those "warring" factions who are insistent of not attending if so and so attends.

Then there is the bill settlement issue.

It is alright if someone sponsors.

If not, expect the possibility of some non-payment.

So, for large gathering, best to get a buffet offering and collect the money up front.

These are some of the trials and tribulations of being an organiser.

So, watch out for them and do not expect full attendance.

Then you would not be disappointed.