My mom is retiring after almost 40 years on Dec.22. We would like to have some kind of a retirement party, where her work friends and our immediate family would be invited. I have ZERO experience with a retirement party. It really wouldn't be an expensive or formal thing, just something comfortable with friends.

I would appreciate any experiences you have planning retirement parties...gift ideas, decorations, places. I'm thinking of maybe a local bar just as a gathering place??? My parents house is VERY small, and ours is average. I'm sure it would get crowded in here since we can't really go outside in December. If it was during warm weather, I would probably plan it for my house.

I just need to get on the idea track and am clueless. I haven't done any online research yet. Any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated!

By Tripletmom on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 01:54 pm:

We went to one at Mandarin (chinese buffet) restuarant.It actually turned out nice.We were there for around 31/2 to 4 hrs.We just sat around and talked and ate.We paid for our own meals and brought a gift with us.It was personal and it was nice to see the family and co-workers together.