I co-hosted a company holiday party.
I don’t own a company. And, technically, I don’t celebrate the holidays.
The irony of blogging is that we are seen in social media but in real life we are alone.
If you work from home in any capacity, you understand what I mean. Once you close the computer, there you are. There are no jokes over the water cooler. Your co-worker is either the toddler running around or that cup of coffee on your desk.
Find a tribe locally.
I am part of a local bloggers group called Boston Social Media. Our blog’s niches vary from green living and parenting to fashion and savings. We meet once a month for a real-life coffee break, to chat shop and shoot the breeze.
In one of our meet-ups Niri, from mommyniri.com suggested throwing a holiday party just for us. Since we don’t go to company parties, why not throw one ourselves?
I loved the idea so much I co-hosted it with her! In less than 2 weeks we managed to pull off this grand event.
If you blog, I encourage you to take your online connections, offline. There is no substitute (thankfully) for real life relationships.
I present to you: Boston Social Media Holiday Bash Dec. 1, 2012
Blogger events typically don’t include the whole family. We changed that real quick! Twenty local bloggers and their families were invited. This was one of the views from the event.
Three child height tables were set up with crafts.
This one was set up for cookie decorating. Every topping a kid and adult could want.
She’s headed straight for the sprinkles. That’s my girl.
The chef from Art Bar Cambridge, restaurant in the hotel, set up a station to make play dough with the kids.
Edible fruit arrangements on the kid’s tables.
The kids lunch. Fish sticks, sweet potato curly fries, mini hot dogs in a bun, broccoli and macaroni and cheese in wanton wrappers.
The grown-ups menu: cous cous with feta cheese and cranberries…
sweet potato tater tots, roast beef Panini, banana relish and this…
Seared scallops with watermelon radish. Yes, I went back for more.
Every good party must have a party favor. Thank you to the generous sponsors:
Royal Sonesta BostonAflac DuckCVS Beauty ClubFisher PriceGain GC HeadbandsHallmark CardsHamilton BeachHasbroHoughton MifflinMcDonald’s New EnglandRelishUrban SitterWhole Foods- Fresh Pond, Cambridge
The party also helped to support: Toys for Tots, Aflac Pediatric Cancer Research and It Takes a Family (families affected by Hurricane Sandy).
No excuses. If you are a stay at home mom or a work from home mom reach out and make connections in real life. They still matter in this age of technology.
Craving more pics and stories from the party? Check out these posts from other bloggers who attended!
3 Garnets 2 Sapphires- 2012 Boston Social Media Holiday Party at the Royal Sonesta Hotel
Dollops of Diane- Boston Social Media Holiday Party
Groovy Green Livin’- Boston Social Media Bloggers Celebrate
Random Recycling- A Blogger’s Holiday at the Royal Sonesta Boston
It’s not like a cat- Hamilton Beach Single Serve Blender- Swag From BSM Holiday party
Don’t Mind the Mess Year-Round Fun at The Royal Sonesta
Charlene Chronicles Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge,MA
Mommy NiriBoston Social Media Holiday Bash at Royal Sonesta Hotel! We Did That!
The Shopping QueenThe Royal Sonesta Hotel Spoils Boston Bloggers
You can also see lots of pics and conversation on twitter at #BSMHoliday!
Do you work from home? How do you stay connected with real life relationships?
5 Dollars for $33 Worth of Product at CVS 12/9-12/15
Hi! I'm Isra, aka The Frugalette. I took my family from fancy to frugal in 3 years, with 3 kids and 1 income, oh and found the meaning of life too! To read more about my fancy life gone frugal, 
How cool is this! I love it! THat is a fantastic hotel too! Lucky girl!
It was pretty cool! I do feel very fortunate to have such a stong support system here.
That looks so amazing. I'd love to be involved with something like that…especially if I can bring the kids. Well, I'd have to be able to bring the kids or I wouldn't be able to go
Yes, you are a lucky girl!
Having the whole family participate is what made it very special. Thx for stopping by!
That is so great Isra! I love the idea behind putting together a party just for bloggers and their families – why should bloggers miss out on a holiday party? The menu looks amazing, for both kids and adults!
It was amazing Tazim! To connect personally with bloggers and their families made it very special. Yes, why should we miss out?!
That pic, with the 3 of them staring out the window? My favorite pic. To say I loved doing this party with you is a total understatement. Now that we've set the bar high, we have to outdo ourselves at the next one. Ready?
It's my favorite pic too. And yes, I'm SO ready for the next one, let's do it! xo
What awesome photos Isra! I need to take some lessons from you!!
Thanks for such a great event and for the mention too!
Thanks Karen! Let's have a photog workshop! How fun! xo
You two really did set the bar high. What a fabulous party and one that will be remembered for a long time. It was so special to have an opportunity to spend time with local bloggers AND their families. Thank you for all that you did to make this party a tremendous success.
Thanks for the support Lori! It was only as good as the people who came.
xo
Awesome event! I have the same picture of my kids looking out on the snow that day. Thanks for making the event happen. It's been so nice getting to know you this year.
It's been a great year Emily! Im so glad you got the pic too, I love taking pics of them just interacting and doing what they want.
Nicely done! Love all the photos and It looks like it was a fabulous party! I love that the chef was making playdough with the kids!
The chef was awesome Leah! He made sure every kid got some playdough to take home..all 30 of them!
This event looks absolutely incredible! Congrats Frugalette! I am in awe (for quite some time now;) of all that you balance and successfully juggle with such grace- and you never disappoint… Always stepping it up a notch (or two!)
Thank you so much! So sweet of you to comment, it really means a lot.
xo
What a great way to interact and feel a part of a group. Face-to-face interaction is so important and taking relationships from online to offline adds so much value.
"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one." ~Jane Howard
Thank you so much for stopping by Ted! I love that quote! "…you need one." indeed!
That looks like such a fabulous party! So beautiful and nice!
Thanks Allyson, it was a fun party for sure!
very nice! I love the foods they made and the interaction with the kids. Looks like you had a nice time!
It was a lot of fun Nicole!
What a fun event! It looks like everyone had a blast! I love the photo with the kiddos looking out the window.
Thanks Emily! It's one of my favorites for sure.
How fun! That is a fabulous idea! Looks like everyone had a great time.
I think everyone had a fabulous time! Thanks for stopping by!
Looks like fun! I love that the chef made play dough for the kids!
That was one of my favorite parts too!
Good to get out from behind the screen and meet others. Looks like the kiddos had a fun time with decorating, and the food look amazing.
The food was so good! I think it’s so important for anyone who works at home to find a group IRL to hang with.