Photo Credit: Graham
The Bennings had as usual, spared no expense to host their annual gathering. Only the finest delicacies at the finest restaurant in town. Invitations had been posted weeks in advance and you could see the jealous twitch in the eyes of those who were unceremoniously omitted from the most talked of event of the season.
Diamonds and designer dresses graced the occasion. Though rumor had it that the stock market crash had done some of the guests in and price tags were spoken of, furtively cloaked under lapels and collars.
Hollow words and perfunctory smiles made their rounds, with hints of envy and malice.
As the last of the guests gushed and departed, the hosts exited, giving curt nods to the beaming manager and ignoring the servers.
The glamours hall now vacant, the manager’s forced smile melted into a grin.
“Right then, let’s get the real party started!”
The entire staff cheered and spent the night chatting comfortably and stomaching the vast quantities of untouched eatables, all of which would have to be otherwise discarded.
Written for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers
Dollops of Heedful Ramblings 
It befuddles me how people can leave a party without eating the food! Personally, I think the staff had the better party 😉
When the spread is overly lavish, that’s what it probably looks like when everyone leaves!…The staff surely did! 🙂
Good for the staff for making the most of the left over party! Great story! Well told!
At grand functions there is so much left over food that it’s extremely shameful to watch it go to waste… So yes, good for the staff! Thank you! 😊
You are right about the food waste! Such a shame too. Glad these staffers were able to enjoy it!
Now that staff party is my kind of party! Nice take on the photo prompt my friend 😉
Totally! Thank you so much! 😊
A very interesting comparison of two very different parties. I’d much rather be at the second party. The first only seems like it is a “duty” nothing fun, just something to make you seem “rich” and full of “status.” Well written.
Perfect interpretation of the story! Thank you! 😊
I want an invite to the second party!! Bring on casual fun rather than false and snobbery!
@Samantha/samratkel from
Shadow Realities
False snobbery! The perfect words to describe the first party! Thank you for reading! ☺
Haha excellent turn of events! I know which I would rather go too, good on the manager for letting the staff have a good time, instead of it going to waste. KL ❤
We’re on the same page here! 😊 Yes, we’ll done to the manager! Thank you for reading! ☺
The scraps of the rich and hollow can be delicious, not only in flavor but in the appreciation by those who really live life, not just pose for it. Nice story, S.
Well said! Thank you for your comment! ☺
Great take on the prompt! “Nothing exceeds like excess!”
Well said! …Thank you for reading! ☺
My pleasure ☺
I liked the contrasting values. Good that someone was able to really appreciate and enjoy the party. 🙂
Thank you so much for reading! Glad you like it! 🙂
Loving the twist! Fab way to end a wonderfully written, albeit painfully dry cast of characters….thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! Glad you liked the story! 🙂
Of course – you are most welcome 🙂
It would be wonderful to work at a place like that….put in a few hours and then party hardy and enjoy the free food. At least it wasn’t wasted. I’ll take the 2nd party any day! Fun story. 🙂
Haha! Right on! Thank you so much for reading! 🙂
What a clever angle. Nice.
Thank you so much for reading! Glad you liked it! 🙂
All that false pretense. What’s the point going to the party?
Exactly! Some people just force themselves to live a fake life! Thanks for reading! 🙂
My pleasure 🙂
a great tale from both points of view…
ellespeth
Thank you so much for reading! 🙂