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[Humbug]

Its that time of year again.  Our holiday luncheon where all the faculty sign up for some meal item and bring it into the building for good cheer and good fun.  Well, I don't like this luncheon and I especially hate figuring out what to bring.  I am the stereotypical single male who virtually never cooks, so I either get the condescending "bring cups" or have to go find something pre-cooked at the grocery.  I am not the only one with this attitude either.  Most of the other younger faculty, particularly the single ones, male or female, simply do not like this luncheon, where we eat on paper plates in a lecture hall before heading back to our offices.  How can I propose either a catered luncheon or a meal off campus without alienating all the older faculty who seem to like this event?

[%sig%]

[anon]

It's hard to part with tradition.  I've endured many luncheons such as the one you describe.  Everyone ends up bringing desserts, chips & dips, etc.  No one brings any sort of main course.  At one memorable Christmas luncheon, we had chips & dip, several types of dessert, and penne pasta.  That was the year that a colleague bought a can of beer nuts (as his contribution to the meal).  Fortunately, I'm in a department now that's full of faculty who like to eat well, so we have our faculty Christmas meals at fine restaurants.  As to how to deal with your older faculty, it's too late to do anything this year.  Next year, well ahead of the Christmas season, talk to the department head and volunteer to handle the arrangements for your Christmas luncheon (and make reservations at a restaurant!).

[Ms. Collegiality]

What caterer would you love to see handle this luncheon?  Call them up and order their best casserole or yummy salad.  Bring that as your contribution this year.  As people are scarfing it down, mention that you'd love to see this caterer handle next year's luncheon.

That will give them time to mull it over.  

Find out who pulls the strings--could be the head, the admin. asst., someone like that.  Appropriately early enough next year, like in late October, get with this person and offer to help organize the holiday luncheon.  If you are accepted with open arms, you might be able to create a new tradition.  

I often find that the people who complain about something are rarely the ones who are willing to organize something better.  I just know, Humbug, that you are not one of those . . . are you?

[Diana]

Can everyone in your dept. afford to eat at a fine restaurant? Maybe people with little kids can't, especially if that means a babysitter.

Be considerate. It could be the tacky lunch is the best some of your less-rich colleagues can afford. Don't worry about paper plates. Try to be less materialistic, and you might be more fun to be with.

[%sig%]

[Tippy]

I agree that it is hard to part with tradition. I, too am young-ish (but female) and do not cook. Do what I do: Go to your grocery store and buy a Mrs. Smith's French Silk Pie. It requires no baking (just a little defrosting) and people rave about it every single time.

[anon]

Oh no!  Tippy is the colleague who always brings ready-made pies to our luncheons (along with everyone else who brings desserts).  Next year, bring a ham or turkey.  We already have an overabundance of desserts.  LOL...just messing with you.

[Why wait for someone else?]

Volunteer to plan and host next year's Christmas luncheon at the first departmental faculty meeting in the Fall semester.  Select a nice caterer or restaurant and maybe one or two musically talented students to sing a few Christmas carols while everyone sings.  Everyone will love you for it.

[Female Science PhD]

We tried the catering route one year- and everyone objective to having to buy a "ticket" to cover the cost. My guess is that people prefer the potluck since it is perceived as being free. My department also now has us sign up for what we are bringing, and there are only 4 dessert "slots", so it's only the folks who sign up early who get away with frozen pies etc. My suggestion- fruit salad. It's easy to make and everyone will appreciate something tasty but also healthy.

[tamiam]

4 words: stouffers frozen vegetarian lasagne.

[burly man]

Don't forget the fish sticks and tater tots for us manly men!  LOL...just kidding.

[starrigyrl]

The other problem with such luncheons is some of your colleagues may have dietary needs, eating disorders, or other issues that you may not be aware of. For these people, these potlucks can truly be torturous. I try to bring some fresh healthy veggies and whole grain breads or crackers. That way there are some good alternatives to the rich dips, cheese dishes, and desserts.

[Research Girl]

I know this is a pricy suggestion, but if the group isn't too big & you're feeling beneficent, shrimp & cocktail sauce are a nice, low-effort contribution. At my grocery store you can buy a platter of pre-cooked shrimp, all nicely arranged, with a tub of cocktail sauce in the center. They'll be gone in 10 seconds flat and will be the hit of the party.

[boyo]

two choices:

1) just don't show up for it (make an excuse ahead of time... you can read the student excuse thread for ideas)

2) suck it up, grab some cold cuts or ready-made chicken at the supermarket, and bring them...

It is what, an hor, once/year?  I mean, really!

[Mouse]

starrigyrl brings up a good point.  What really makes me humbuggy is when I'm encouraged to attend one of these events--and then there's nothing for me, virtually the only strict vegetarian in the entire town, to eat.  (OK, I'm not the ONLY strict vegetarian...but it seems like that, anyway.)  So you could always use the "I'm kosher/vegetarian/lactose-intolerant" excuse, Humbug--

[And the other thing is]

everything sits out for a long time and botulates =  food poisoning.