The Office: The 10 Best Events Planned By The Party Planning Committee

The Office‘s famous Party Planning Committee threw a lot of celebrations over the course of its existence, from birthday bashes to holiday celebrations and everything in between. Because of this, we thought it was time to figure out which parties planned by the PPC were better than the rest.

Though lots of parties thrown at the Scranton branch happened off-camera, we’ll only be focusing on the events that appear in an episode. Additionally, we’ll be looking at which parties were the best instead of which ones were the most entertaining to viewers. For example, while we’re obsessed with Kelly’s birthday episode featuring the iconic “It is your birthday” sign, the actual celebration was quite lame.

Finally, we’ll be including any party that was thrown exclusively by the PPC or in combination with another committee or individual. As long as the committee is involved in some aspect of the celebration, it’ll be showing up on the list. We won’t, however, be focusing on any bash that happened after Pam formally put the PPC to an end in “Classy Christmas” (S7E11/12).

With that said, it’s time to head to Scranton and count down to the best event ever thrown by the Party Planning Committee.

10 Meredith’s Surprise Party

The first Party Planning Committee event to appear on screen is Meredith’s birthday celebration in “The Alliance” (S1E4).

Though Michael is kind of a jerk to Meredith during the event, the party is basic and fun at its core. There were streamers, hats, ice cream cake, Snapple; What more could one want?

Sure, it was bummer that Meredith had a dairy allergy and therefore couldn’t eat her birthday dessert. But for the rest of the office, it wasn’t half bad.

9 Stanley’s Birthday Party

Because the gang is competing in a weight loss contest against the other branches by the time Stanley’s birthday rolls around in “Weightloss” (S5E1/2), Michael is adamant that they not eat real cake. Therefore, his conference room celebration features tons of fruit.

Phyllis is clever, however, and decides to hold a separate party downstairs in the warehouse that features cheesecake. The sneaking-around (and cake) had to be somewhat fun.

8 Phyllis’s Bridal Shower

The Party Planning Committee decided to throw Phyllis a small celebration for her upcoming marriage to Bob Vance in “Ben Franklin” (S3E14). It featured champagne, tea sandwiches, cute decorations, and cake.

Things got a little weird — okay, a lot weird, after Jim decided to send a Ben Franklin impersonator to the party in place of the stripper Michael had requested. Nevertheless, this added to the entertainment value of the party and definitely made it unforgettable.

7 Christmas Party 2008

While the 2008 Christmas party turned into an intervention session for Meredith’s drinking, it was lively while it lasted.

The Moroccan theme was original and provided lots of delicious food to eat and drink. Additionally, the decorations were colorful and everyone’s spirits were running high — that is until Michael decided to put it all to an end in a unique way.

6 Michael’s Birthday Party

Michael is way more excited about his birthday party than everyone else is, especially because Kevin is awaiting the results of his skin cancer screening. Because of this, a damper is put on the normal birthday festivities.

Michael doesn’t let this ruin his big day and decides to elevate the mood by bringing the party to the ice skating rink. This is definitely a fun change from the average celebrations that take place inside the office.

5 Christmas Party 2005

“Christmas Party (S2E10)” was the first episode to feature a holiday bash. While it wasn’t the best of the bunch, it had its highlights.

Though the party begins with a friendly Secret Santa gift exchange, the event goes downhill and tensions run high after Michael turns it into a White Elephant Gift Exchange.

Despite the employees’ early frustrations related to this change, the celebration picks up after Michael brings in alcohol, Phyllis introduces Bob Vance to her co-workers, Packer shows up, and the gang cranks up the music. This leads to lots of dancing and the kind of craziness Michael had hoped for all along.

4 Christmas Party 2009

Jim and Dwight take the reigns on the Christmas party in “Secret Santa” (S6E13), and it didn’t disappoint. Although Michael was mad that Phyllis was Santa in place of him, there was lots of tinsel, stockings, and wreaths decorating the office. Additionally, there was a formal place to get a photo with “Santa,” a Christmas tree lighting, presents, snacks, and a literal “twelve drummers drumming.”

Sure, Dunder Mifflin’s uncertain future wasn’t great to deal with, but the party was still a bop.

3 Oscar’s Welcome Back Party

After Oscar returns to the office from his leave of absence (due to Michael’s attempt to kiss him), the Dunder Mifflin crew throws the accountant a Mexican-themed welcome back party.

“The Return” (S3E13) fiesta is lively, featuring sombreros, piñatas, maracas, and tasty cuisine.

Though the party wasn’t fun for Karen (who was forced to deal with Jim’s feeling for Pam), it was nevertheless a unique and enjoyable bash. Dwight also gets to celebrates his own return to Dunder Mifflin by destroying a piñata, having just left his job at Staples.

2 Christmas Party 2006

Though there was a lot of drama surrounding the event in “A Benihana Christmas” (S3E10), it turned out to be quite the bash.

After Angela kicks Karen off of the Party Planning Committee, Pam joins her to form a rival party planning group. This results in two parties, one with lots of great food (including double fudge brownies) and the other with karaoke and vodka.

Though the alternate party is forced to utilize Daryl’s piano talents for the karaoke, Angela soon reveals that she took the chord for the karaoke machine and the parties join forces. This created an unforgettable holiday celebration.

1 Toby’s Goodbye Party

In “Goodbye, Toby” (S4E14) under Phyllis’s control, the Party Planning Committee throws the HR rep an elaborate shindig to celebrate his departure from the company. Michael wants this party to be the best one ever thrown because he’s excited about Toby leaving, so that’s what it becomes: the greatest in the history of the PPC.

The event is a smash-hit with a band, a mini-Ferris wheel, and a bounce house in the parking lot. Additionally, because Jim had planned to propose to Pam during the event, he threw in extra money to set off some giant fireworks. It all ends, however, with a proposal between Andy and Angela. What a time!

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