Food/gift ideas for a retirement party?

Question

I was invited to a retirement party for a co-worker this coming weekend. Attendees are asked to bring a covered dish to share.

What would be some good, not overly difficult options that would likely be a hit? I don't want anything too terribly time consuming. I do have other plans that day, so I want to do something good, but relatively easy.

Also, what are some good gift ideas for the one retiring? I already have a basic idea (flowers, as the one retiring is a female), but I'd like to add something else too.

Final question - how long is good enough to stay? It starts at 4 and ends whenever. I don't want to stay all night of course, but I also don't want to rush out after 10 minutes or otherwise be considered rude.

Any thoughts/suggestions will be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

CrustyCurmudgeon · Accepted Answer

In my neck of the woods, retirement parties are not gift-giving affairs. Pick out a nice card and call it done.
What to take is not a big deal. When in your circumstance, I used to take a plate of broccoli florets, some bites of cauliflower and a dip, usually curried mayo (mayo with curry powder, enough to make it sing). It provides a nosh for the interlude between arrival and dinner, and is usually gone by the time you want to leave. Blanching the veggies is optional.

Anonymous · Answer

dont forget some alcoholic beverages.

? · Answer

Gatorade Frost Thirst Quencher, Arctic Blitz, 12 Ounce Bottles (Pack of 24)
When you sweat, you lose more than water. Gatorade Thirst Quencher contains critical electrolytes to help replace what's lost in sweat.
Top off your fuel stores with carbohydrate energy, your body's preferred source of fuel.
Tested in the lab and used by the pros.
Arctic Blitz flavor
12 Ounce Bottles (Pack of 24)

something fishy · Answer

when i go to invited events 3 hours is my limit...2 if they have act together

id get some seed package gloves towel and wrap up..

id make an easy salad...shredded carrot and raisins or 3 bean

denise · Answer

Mini Scones [savoury or sweet], paired with a little pot of cream & jam or some cream cheese & chopped chives.
Gifts ;- maybe a nice cup / mug & coaster set.
A small scrap book / memory book [it could be signed with colleagues small memories / stories]?.

Anton · Answer

Gazpacho, a wonderful cold soup full of fresh vegetables, quick and easy.

You can get your pot the next day.

What I want, but am too cheap to buy, is a WEEK CLOCK.

Anonymous · Answer

A covered dish is just another way of saying it's a pot-luck.   You can take whatever you want even if it's just a bowl of guacamole.   If you don't want to stay horribly long, take your dish in a disposable container you can leave there.   It's less conspicuous than taking your dish off the table early.

Usually there will be food, short ceremony with some speeches/toasts and then cake/dessert.   Just like with a wedding reception, you can leave after the toasts/cake.

As far as gift goes, often there is a whip 'round at work.   Meaning someone collects a few bucks from anyone who wants to pitch in and then money is pooled and one gift purchased.    If that's not the case, a nice card with the flowers you mention is sufficient.   IMO by the time someone gets to retirement age they probably don't want/need more stuff.

Anonymous · Answer

Make a cold tortellini salad, boil the pasta, put in foil pan, mix in a can of chopped up black olives (and you could add chopped red roasted peppers), olive oil, parmesan cheese, a little oregano, and you are done.

Food/gift ideas for a retirement party?

8 Answers