thank you everyone for all those lovely comments and support! Mr Minu was surprised to hear that I was not the only one on this approach.

Happy to report that at least 7 colleagues will go with the option 2, so it will not be a strange feeling for all! and breathe!

doggeh lover, the antlers are from H&M and will be used for many years to come!

Love the antlers!! And yes, you'll be sure to pull those out for fun over the years!

Also agreeing with Lesley's point ... if an ugly sweater was essential, they would have called it 'ugly sweater' ... I wonder if they purposely chose a more vague statement to ensure people wouldn't feel on the hook to shop ... in any case, I think you've nailed it Would love to see the final look if you care to share!

My guess is that people will wear sweaters for safety if they can’t figure out what else to do

Themes can be complicated - I agree this gives scope for people to wear what they want to or have and go in different directions.

I personally really love a theme/dress-up/costume and have a dedicated costume box. But I know others that don't..... If I have a party now I choose a theme that let's people go full on or quietly into the theme.

That looks like a good solution! My last company had a ugly sweater party a couple years- hated it!

I think ‘ridiculously festive’ is deliberately vague, probably to encourage people to make the best of what they have and/or get as dressy, creative or goofy as they choose!

I like the idea of creatively interpreting the dress code a la Option 2 - something like big red earrings? I once had a colleague who turned up to our staff Christmas party with a feather boa! So anything goes so long as it's OOT (hence the 'ridiculous' in the dress code, I suspect)

If it helps, I just bought this from Zara for such events in the future (I don't celebrate Christmas myself, so something like this would likely work for multiple festive occasions):
https://www.zara.com/hk/en/kni.....46104.html
(It drapes beautifully & isn't itchy/ uncomfortable at all - & this is coming from someone with sensitive skin!)