Holiday open house work etiquette question

[lukasahero]

Been going round and round on this for days - time to put it to DU.

I'm having a holiday open house. I do this every year. In the past I have invited co-workers after I have left the company. I'm in a new company this year and would like to invite some co-workers but I work in a good-sized group (17 sans spouse/SOs) and, while I'm friendly with several, I'm not friendly with all. I'm pretty sure I can't invite some without inviting all but I thought I'd check in here to see if folks have a different opinion...

Is there any way to politely invite some co-workers without inviting others? :(

[noamnety]

1. I think you have to invite all

(and pray that some don't show up).

[lukasahero]

2. Hahaha

That's actually kind of what I've been thinking. Drats. :)

[noamnety]

3. I've been in that situation before

and the people I most wanted not to show up naturally came, maybe to prove they weren't boycotting me just as I was proving I wasn't boycotting them. FWIW, each time they were on their best behavior.

[lukasahero]

4. Thanks - that's what I figure will happen

It's not that I don't like these people per se, it's more that I don't know them that well and, well, inviting people into your home is kind of exposing yourself. I have panic attacks after hosting even my closest friends so this one is going to send me off the deep end.

That's for commiserating. I knew the answer but it's nice to have confirmation.

Of course, I could just not invite anyone.... :evilgrin:

[Liberal_in_LA]

5. The ones you don't invite will hear about the party. invite all

[Phentex]

6. No polite way to do that...

maybe some of the ones you don't know would like to get to know you better.

I find that people don't really judge other people's homes at things like this. They are just impressed that you have the nerve to have everyone over!

It's people and relationships that count, not whether you left a dust bunny under the coffee table.

HAVE FUN!

[lukasahero]

7. Thank you

That's actually a good way to look at it.

I knew the answer to my question before I asked it - I think maybe I was just looking for someone to tell me to get a grip and just do it already! :evilgrin: