Not all company Christmas parties, corporate holiday fetes and cocktail soirees are treated equally, nor are all companies large enough to be in the position to host such a celebration. But thanks to Portland Marriott, now there’s a little something for everyone.

“The Big Little Holiday Party is geared toward small companies that want to do a large holiday party with dancing, a deejay, a full buffet and fun giveaways,” explained Meg Poulin, catering sales manager for Marriott Sable Oaks in South Portland, host of the 5th annual holiday party. “It’s nice, and if a company wants that type of atmosphere, they come here. We’ve had new companies join us this year, as well as the dedicated groups that come every year.”

James Beardsley, left, attorney with Lowry & Associates, joins colleagues Karen Hanna and Michael Vaughn, with his wife, Diane Vaughn; and Brooke Kreider, center, event manager at Marriott Sable Oaks.

The hotel’s ballroom was full of co-workers, colleagues and their families, all dressed to the nines and enjoying the vast spread of savory dinner options and decadent desserts, while deejay Brian Zutter of BZ Productions kept the spirits high and the party atmosphere going strong.

“I love hosting this party,” said Zutter, who partners with the Portland Marriott to host the event. “It’s so much fun. They all really want to be here.”

Lance Forrest, a paralegal with Lowry & Associates, was joined by his mother, Kristin Forrest, and his grandmother Janet Speed of Dover-Foxcroft. Alex and Heidi Todd of Dropping Springs Lobster attended with Mike and Michelle Farda of Lyman.

Esther Hahn, Jill Jean and Kim Reynolds of Maide For You in Gorham reveled in the excitement of celebration, and Jeff Marcotte, owner of B.H. Marcotte, attended with his wife, Jen, and several of his employees, who enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate together.

“This is our third year,” said Marie Lopez, who runs the Bangor office of Lowry & Associates. “We’re such a small firm, but we want to socialize and meet people. This is our way of doing that and celebrating the season. And it’s such a good time!”

Margaret Logan is a freelance writer who lives in Scarborough. She can be reached at:

margaret08logan@gmail.com