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The retiree may be excited about retiring or anxious and depressed about it. Their feelings should determine the tone of the farewell. If the person does not want to retire, a card and gift may be more appropriate than a party.  Some people like parties focused on them and others do not. Perhaps they would simply like to slip out the back door with little fanfare. In that case, a card signed by fellow employees or friends and family will suffice. Some people prefer large parties and others prefer small ones. Try to find out what kind of gatherings the retiree feels most comfortable with. Having a definite theme will give structure to planning the party and help you make decisions more easily, such as how to decorate. If you work in an office, you can use office machines and supplies as a humorous theme. You can base the theme on one of the retiree's interests or hobbies. Having a detailed budget will help you avoid running into problems down the line. Consider having co-workers contribute to a party-planning fund or bring food items as in a potluck. Be sure to include refreshments and decorations in your budget. A cake is a traditional food to serve, along with finger foods such as chips and dip. The party can be held at the workplace, in a hired hall, or in the local bar for drinks, depending on the person who is being honored and the situation. If you are on a tight budget, having it at the workplace or in a public setting will make things easier.. Remember that the type of entertainment you have at the party will depend on where it is held. If you have the party in a bar, live music or a jukebox can provide entertainment. If you have the party in an office, you can purchase games to play that are retirement themed. Family, friends, and present and past colleagues are people you won't want to forget to invite. If the retiree dealt with special clients or other important professionals outside the company, be sure to include them on the guest list . Instead of giving something predictable, such as a watch, give something personal and meaningful to the recipient. A keepsake box filled with mementos from the job might be an idea. Think about the person's hobbies and interests to help you choose the right gift. If the person has mentioned something they are looking forward to during retirement, such as a hobby, you can bring a gift related to their interest. For example, if they talked about taking up painting, you could buy them a book about painting or art. A party will feel more like a celebration if there are decorations. Decide on a small budget and choose decorations. You can make them yourself, but it may be more efficient to buy them at a party supply store. Use what you know about the person's interests to decorate to their specific tastes or a theme.  Have reminders present of memorable times in the workplace, such as printed photographs. Hang them up around the office. Prepare an audio-visual presentation about the person's accomplishments and work history that can be shown on a monitor sitting on a table, or projected onto a large screen for all at the party to watch. Include photographs of the person both at work and at home with family. Add in photos of other important events such as a memorable trip or the birth of a grandchild.  Provide a blank memory book for guests to sign and encourage them to write down their memories of the past and good wishes for the future. Make the event memorable by documenting it. You can take photos at the party or event so the retiree can view them later. You can also take video. These can be shared on social media if the retiree would appreciate that. Humor can be an important element in saying goodbye to someone who is retiring, but fit the humor to the person and situation. Be sure to be professional and not cross the line into offensive material. Remember always that the humor at a party should be something that everyone can enjoy and that improves the overall mood.  Roast a colleague who enjoys bawdy or teasing humor. The company's practical joker, for example, might especially enjoy a round of robust humor from his co-workers. Moderate the humor for someone who could become offended easily or who is finding the idea of retirement challenging. Consider some light-hearted comments or memories to bring up. Make sure the atmosphere of the retirement party always keeps a sense of dignity. The main focus is to honor the retiree. With modern communication and social media, there are a variety of ways to keep in touch with people. Everyone has their own preference, so find out how they would like you to contact them.
Throw a party if the retiree is looking forward to retiring. Decide on a theme. Set a budget. Choose a location for the party. Invite people close to the person to the party. Choose a gift to give them at the party. Decorate for the party. Document the event. Adjust the level of humor. Give guests the retiree's contact information at the party.