Over 120 people attended the Friends of Europe Holiday Party. The international potluck was a big hit with a wide range of tasty dishes from all parts of Europe. The desserts were especially awesome.

MCD and photos

The Most Creative Dish award was shared by Svetlana whose Romanian dish was both beautiful and delicious, and Teresa whose spectacular Irish whiskey trifle came with a multimedia diorama. You can see photos of these two fabulous dishes and of scenes from the party here. (Click on each image to get a blown up version.)

Thank You's

Thank you to the co-organizers Cathy and Paul who made the event possible. To Elena for graciously and gracefully assisting Paul at the welcome desk. To Mihaly for being the microwave handyman. To the people who came early and pitched in to help set things up. And to all those that stayed at the end to clean up, without whom Cathy, Paul and I would still be at the Alliance today.

Fund Raising

There was a modest surplus of money left over after expenses which will go towards the cost of running the group for the coming year. This fund allows us to continue the monthly gatherings and soirees without any membership or event fee.

Ideas for the next holiday party

It's not too early to start thinking about the next Holiday Party. Ideas so far include playing a compilation of festive national music contributed by members, bring-your-own festive decorations, sing-along European carols, "more music and better lighting", "more seats needed", and using a single room venue. I have started a Message Board thread here to post your ideas. Perhaps we don't even have to wait until next December to have another European potluck!

Late cancellations, missing guests and no-shows

Finally, there was unfortunately a significant number of no-shows and people who cancelled late, some within 24 hours of the event (also technically a no-show). Quite a few people moved off the wait-list in the last 48 hours but many were no-shows, in some cases because they did not get the email notification in time. Also there appears to be some confusion about whether guests are included in the attendance limit and cancellation policy - they are. So, in the end, people on the wait-list who would have liked to have attended were unable to even though there was space. I have started a Message Board thread to get a discussion on all this started. After re-reading the current RSVP Guidelines and Policies, please post your ideas here on the handling of late cancellations, guests and no-shows.

Happy Holidays and see you at the next events in January!

Cheers,
Geoff, Organizer
BAY AREA FRIENDS OF EUROPE