Party smart and how!

The economic crisis has put a hold on holiday parties, as companies from Wall Street to Dalal Street and Fort area (in Mumbai) cancel or cut back their seasonal festivities.

For many of the city’s middle class, employed by foreign investment banks, this was a season where they could start counting the rupees they would earn in bonuses the next year, while sipping on champagne or even whiskey. This year, all cheer is missing.

I am a first-hand witness to all this. My i-banker husband is willing to let go of the idea that he might not get a single penny in bonus. How hard is it to tell these guys you don't get a bonus in a year when your company, and society as a whole, has been brought to its knees?

To liven the mood, I said, "Let's have a Christmas party. Nothing fancy, just friends and home food and spirits to bring in Christmas." We were en route to office. He braked hard almost throwing me off my seat.

"What are we celebrating? My impending job loss or the misfortune that has been enforced on us," he pointed back. I was expecting some statistics and he did not disappoint me. He continued. "Do you know company-sponsored holiday celebrations have already hit a 20-year low in 2008, according to an annual survey from an executive search firm."

I tried another tact. "I am not referring to those fancy parties with ice sculptures and free-flowing liquor and wine," and even turned on my forlorn look. It worked.

"This will be the last party and I will even cook at home. You just get the desserts," I braved.

I launched into a lengthy tirade on what food will we have, which I know generally goes unregistered. "We won't have a full course meal as that will have your guests feeling sleepy by 9 PM. Instead, lets serve a variety of finger foods and other items that can be made ahead -- this way I won't be stuck in the kitchen while the party is going on. You can set up a buffet-style table so guests can serve themselves throughout the evening. I will ready a cheese and cracker tray, vegetables and dip, pigs in a blanket (mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent dough and baked), and mini quiches." What say...

He eyed me suspiciously and said, "You sure, that's all I need to pay for?"

"Yeah. I will manage and lets ask friends to get the spirits and maybe someone would like to get in some food too," I countered. "I don't feel as though we have to have a fully stocked bar in order to have a good party."

This is how I got my party planned and spirit-supply outsourced. Happy Holidays!

A sad demise ... of peace

Imagine waking up at 6 am on a weekday, because your husband forgot to put his Blackberry on silent. It happened with me.

Lately, my i-banker of a husband has taken to sleeping with his Blackberry safely tucked underneath his pillow. ("Reason," he tells me, "I don't want to miss replying to any important mails sent from US or HongKong office.")

Now, I know this husband of mine has never treated the phone any better. There were days, believe me, the Blackberry was tossed carelessly inside the wardrobe and dutifully forgotten until morning. But now, ever since I have understood this credit crisis, it's the most important gadget that travels to bathrooms, sits in front of TV, and even goes for a walk with my husband. The connection and GPRS connectivity is checked when the emails don't pour in after three and a half minute. And I can go on.

Once awake, I had a freakish urge to shutdown the gadget but when I saw the mailbox flash a name that read 'Lehman brother's' I was clearly intrigued, even at 6 am in the morning. The mail (Yes, I checked it when I am not supposed to peep into other's emails) read that Lehman brothers was to file Chapter 11. Not only was this bit alien to me, it also irked me that some company filing a chapter 11 was so important that my poor hubby was being mailed to keep his eyes open at 6 am in the MORNING!

Ignorant me, realised the impact of the mail only when I was explained, By then, it was time to forget Lehman Brothers and save my job.