It's fair to say that as far as office parties went, last Christmas was, if not actually cancelled, then something of a damp squib.
With the near-collapse of the banking system only a few months gone and economic prospects extremely uncertain at best, it really wasn't the time for some bright spark in HR to go, "I know – let's book the Albert Hall and get Mark Ronson in!"
But what of this year? Until this week's Dubai-related dip, the FTSE and other leading share indexes were rising and at least some of the famous green shoots of recovery were sprouting up, particularly in the housing market.
In tomorrow's Guardian, we'll be surveying what this year's party season says about the economy. The general watchword, particularly in the City, seems to be discretion. Official parties will apparently be modest, and if well-off traders want something more lavish, they're paying for the event themselves.
Given recent news at the Guardian, I'm not expecting anything more lavish than a pint of tepid lager and a tray of Iceland vol-au-vents in the local pub. But what about you – is your company planning a Christmas party? And if so, how extravagant?
