The Washington Post

 Some companies spending more on parties

By Danielle Douglas
Monday, December 13, 2010; 13

Around this time last year, Christopher N. Otway, director of sales and catering at the Marriott Wardman Park in the District, had a handful of holiday parties lined up.

Many of the hotel's regulars shied away from their annual shindigs during continued economic uncertainty. Otway suspects, however, that the decisions had more to do with perception than budgets, amid backlash against lavish corporate events.

Now that the economic climate has warmed somewhat and public scrutiny has cooled, holiday bookings at the Wardman are up 60 percent.

"People were trying to get a feel for the economy," Otway said. "And at this point, some companies feel they need to have these parties just to say, 'Thank you for sticking with us through the tough times.'(TM)"

Hotels and restaurants around the Washington area are reporting an upswing in bookings for holiday parties as employers shake off the doldrums of the recession.

A number of companies last year reduced spending on holiday celebrations or canceled them altogether, in light of layoffs, buyouts and other cost-cutting measures. Employers may be bringing back the festivities, but they remain largely conservative in their planning.

Some companies, for instance, are opting for buffet-style receptions rather than sit-down dinners. Instead of offering an endless supply alcohol, firms are ponying up for the first drink and providing a cash bar thereafter. Holiday parties can run anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000 and some companies are still vigilant in keeping down costs.

Lynne Breaux, president of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, said while restaurateurs are reporting a rise in bookings, some have said the amount being spent per party is fairly flat. "You want to do a nice party, but certainly people are being much more circumspect," she said.

Click here to read the rest of the article.