KEY POINTS:
Glamour, ghosts, gambling and guilty pleasures. They don't sound what you'd normally find at a Christmas party but they're how some corporate revellers are celebrating the festive season at Auckland's biggest end-of-year bashes.
The staff Christmas shout has traditionally been a few quiets with workmates, a bit of a boogie and a chance to wind down compliments of the boss.
But Christmas parties are fast becoming some of the biggest events of the year, with many companies throwing parties so extravagant party envy is sweeping the city.
Macquarie Private Wealth wanted to celebrate the festive season in style, so it ditched the tinsel and Christmas crackers for glitz and glamour.
Macquarie's Bridget Urlich said the company wanted something different and glammed up with its Razzle Dazzle party at the Hyatt on Wednesday night.
A charity auction boasting lots that included a weekend in Sydney, a golf getaway at Pauanui and a cruise on a 20m boat entertained guests, who mingled with celebrities such as All Black Doug Howlett and actress Miriama Smith.
But in the spirit of Christmas, proceeds from the night went to KidsCan Charitable Trust and the Doug Howlett Foundation.
From fabulous to frightening, PricewaterhouseCoopers' party looked more like a scene from a scary movie with its "Nightmare Before Christmas" theme.
Auckland managing partner Craig Rice said 840 guests were entertained at SkyCity by Wellington's Beat Girls, who dressed as devils and fluorescent skeletons, and danced to Ghostbusters.
Advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi wowed guests this week when its Las Vegas-themed bash.
Human resources manager Kate Wright told the Herald guests were ferried from the Viaduct to the wharf at Northcote Pt, which was transformed into a gambling den.
Roulette and blackjack tables were brought in and Candy Lane dancers provided the entertainment for guests dressed as Elvis, Celine Dion, tourists, brides and anything else you would stumble across in Las Vegas.
"Because we're an advertising agency we all really get into the dressing up," Ms Wright said.
Meanwhile, Vodafone, known for its lavish Christmas parties, was staying quiet about its festivities this year but party-goers told the Herald the theme was "Guilty Pleasures".
PARTY DOS
* Mingle with everyone first. Don't head directly to the bar or food as soon as you arrive.
* Try to speak to every person in the room, if only to wish them happy holidays.
* Have a good time. It's the perfect chance to get to know co-workers you haven't had much to do with.
* Mind your manners.
PARTY DON'TS
* Forget the boss is watching. Remember it is a party but you're still around the people who pay you.
* Be the business-talking bore. Try and avoid talking shop the whole time. The Christmas party is the one time workmates can get together and talk about everything but business.
* Ask about your pay. Don't ever bring up pay or personal issues at the company party. It isn't the time or the place.
* Flirt. It's inevitable it will happen but for the record it is never appropriate.
