Work Dinner - What would you do?

I have a question for you ladies!
I am 7 weeks, but no one at my job knows yet and I'd like to keep it that way until week 12.
I have a GIANT work function tomorrow night and I'm not sure what I should do...Some of our Europeon directors are flying in, and those Frenchies love to have several bottles of wine with dinner....Not only do I not think I can stay awake past 9:30 tomorrow night, I am afraid that if I don't accept the wine everyone will know. If I go out with my colleagues or other people in my group who are my peers, I just say, I'm hungover from last night, or I have a long drive later, etc...I can always come up with some reason for why I'm only drinking water or Ginger Ale. I'm worried that I'll insult them if I don't accept the alcohol....What would you do???

Re: Work Dinner - What would you do?

just say "no thank you" - you shouldn't have to explain yourself. ur not in the mood to drink, its none of their business

Re: Work Dinner - What would you do?

I'd claim allergies and allergy meds that won't let you drink. I know that European colleagues can be a bit more enthusiastic about wine with dinner. Also when my colleagues from out of town come in they want to party and expect me to do it with them.

You don't have to explain yourself, but allergy meds is the excuse I'd use if needed.

Re: Work Dinner - What would you do?

That's a GREAT one!
BTW - "Enthusiastic" is a great way to describe how our French colleagues are with their wine. I spent a week in France with them in February of this year and I hadn't had that much to drink since my last year of college....
I'm not that much of a follower, but when it comes to work I am trying to climb the ladder and I'm trying to be cognizant of the cultural differences. They feel a sense of pride with "breaking the bread" together and enjoying wine.
Thanks for your advice!

Re: Work Dinner - What would you do?

or have them pour you a glass and take a few small sips (really you can have a glass but if you dont want to b/c ur afraid, just keep your glass pretty full so no one offers you more)

Re: Work Dinner - What would you do?

I would just not do it. You could offer a reason such as antibiotics if you really feel pressured to give one.

I worked for a British company, and wow, those people could drink too. The funny thing was, I never saw any of them really drunk at these work functions.

Re: Work Dinner - What would you do?

Oh, I'm definitely not drinking.....I'm thinking of bailing on the whole dinner thing and meeting them all the next morning for breakfast.
I've got my priorities straight.....

Re: Work Dinner - What would you do?

Re: Work Dinner - What would you do?

I'd just say no thanks and leave it at that. The more you explain the more suspicious you might sound. But if some one asks, you could say you have an early morning or you just started a new diet.

Re: Work Dinner - What would you do?

When first pregnant with the twins I faced a situation in which I didnt want anyone to know I was pregnant. My ex was a volunteer fireman and I had some bartending under my belt. Firemen like to drink and bartenders tend to be able to hold their liquor very well..At the beginning of the evening I spoke to the waitress serving our table and explained my situation. She was very very helpful in making sure that I had appropriate "drink"...even shots....

Re: Work Dinner - What would you do?

i would go and you can always say "no" if you feel uncomfortable then just dont go and stay home from work that day and act sick...

Re: Work Dinner - What would you do?

I have a client dinner tonight and was thinkig about the same thing. My client loves to drink and often order a few bottles of wines during dinner. I am going to say I took some allergy medicine and have along commute home and don't want to chance it....