Finally, the Christmas party season is here! With the disaster that is the Irish economy it’s only fair that we get to unwind and have some serious fun. However, we’re still very much in the middle of a financial crisis so if your company is feeling the pinch and cancelling the glamorous party this year, we’ve tried to come up with a fun way to have a Christmas party in the office on a budget.

Since, it’s Christmas- have a fancy dress “Santa’s Grotto” themed office party. Just ask your colleauges to put some money towards the party fund to get some decorations, food and drink- then have the party right in your building. Decorate the office with trees and lights, spray snow and streamers, get in some eggnog and mistletoe and play the cheesiest music you can find  to get everyone in a good mood.

Then set the dress code to dress in Christmas Costumes. For the men, go as Santa Claus or something funnier like a Snowman or Grinch, or keep it simple with a Christmas Jumper. Ladies can always go as Misses Claus, an Elf, Ice Queen or get some laughs in the Star Costume. Include some disposable cameras in the fund so people can take their own snaps of the fun, then post them up on the office walls for some laughs during the bleak January days!

What do you think? worthy of a party, or is your company going all out this year to blow the bank??

Stephen put this video together of the behind the scene’s at yesterday’s storm trooper march.

St Patricks day 2009 and the parade today was fantastic and the costumes were just incredible. The Ceili Mor wasn’t on this year and i have to admit i missed it loads, next year we should start a campaign to bring it back.

Any way after the parade, i won’t mention the pub, but lets just say there was a very entertaining dance off for the leprechaun shuffle!

One of my highlights at Oxygen this year was definately the Prodigy. So much i decided to go all out on the Sunday and arrive back in my Replica of Keith’s Jacket. Well there has to be some benifits working in a costume shop and so far this has been the best one.

I Picked up a 1920′s Blazer from our warehouse on the way back down for Sunday’s Session, which just happens to be the exact same as what Keith wore, then for the Authentic look i had Sarah get out some poster paint to add the slogan which Keith had on his (from where i was standing it looked painted on also).

Then on to Oxegen where everyone who was at the Prodigy the night before recognised the Jacket. Some bloke even offer me 350 quid for it, but i had to tell him it wasnt the real deal.  

The Jacket turned out even better than i’d hoped and because of it im into more than a fair few strangers photos and met some really cool people, a few of whom i’ll definately be keeping intouch with.

Hmm… Now time to start scheming for Electric Picnic.

Sarah sent in her pics from our Staff night out:

Like i said before classic night! 

Here’s a little peak into TheCostumeShop.ie’s staff night. Try to sit through without smiling – i dare you!

Undoubtly the most fun i’ve had in ages. Here’s a few memories from our best staff night out to date:

Just a quick reminder to all our customers and blog reads, tomorrow night at The Full Shilling in Dublin our staff night out takes place and we would like to invite all you guys along. Make sure you say hi and we’ll be happy to buy you a drink. Doors open @ 10pm and the dress code is board shorts and bikini’s, or for that matter anything that’s suitable for a beach theme. We’ve heard rumors going around about someone wearing wellies – well i suppose that’s the Irish weather beach party style, lol.

As we write the venue is being filled with a few dumper trucks of sand. On the night there’ll be a beach costume accessories being sold behind the bar with 100% of the selling price going to help the Temple St. Childrens Hospital in Crumlin – the night isn’t a just a fund raiser but we feel we should do our little bit to help. Make sure to check back early next week for all the photo’s and hopefully a video or two of the mayhem that is a TheCostumeShop.ie Staff night out!

Were planning a staff night out on the 6th of June and would like to invite all of our customers / blog readers along. The plan is to join all the gang at The Full Shilling in Finglas, Dublin for a “Beach Ball” themed night. Thanks to the owner Sean who will go to any length to up hold the great atmosphere that makes the full shilling one of Dublin’s (maybe even one of Ireland’s) best pubs. So the plan is to fill the pub with a few dumpers full of sand, some back drops of tropical scenery and one or two other big Surprises.

On the night we will be trying to raise some funds for Temple Street Hospital and therefore all proceeds for anyone wanting a costume for the night will go directly to temple street, please insert the coupon Code “TheFullShilling” into the coupon box at check out, it won’t give you a discount but it will mean that the purchase benifits sick children. On the night we’ll also have some leis and muscle chests for sale (100% of the selling price going to temple street hospitable) – but don’t forget to show up in shorts, hawiian shirts, bikini’s, grass skirts etc.  

The high light for the night will be the Mankini Surf off and no doubt there will be some great prises for the winner! Photo’s will be put up here on the blog so if you can’t make it be sure to check back to see how much fun you missed.