And a partridge in John Key's tree

'Tis the season and all that, and the annual Christmas parties have been in full swing around Parliament.

Last night was National's shindig, which made a welcome return after an absence last year brought on by the election and general lack of organisation.

For the first time in a decade National held it in Premier House rather than their caucus room, and that rather change the atmosphere.

National's caucus room parties had become the stuff of legend, generally involving hundreds of people crammed into a very small room and spilling out into the corridors and kitchen, not to mention someone cranking out the karaoke later in the night.

Holding a bash at Prem House tends to put people on their best behaviour - or at least better behaviour - and therefore I don't have to struggle with the dilemma of whether or not to divulge any secrets because there's not much to tell.

I did learn that Prime Minister John Key and his wife Bronagh were gracious hosts and Key is a dab hand with a bottle opener. He can also flip a barbecue pattie with the best of them and is able to laugh off jokes about leaders' barbecues (a la Phil Goff) as well as anyone with a 50-plus approval rating.

I learned that Social Development Minister Paula Bennett would have preferred a hangi, preferably involving digging up Key's patio. She also demonstrated where Westies keep their cigarette lighters, which was new to me.

I learned that Auckland Central's Nikki Kaye is going to be tough for Labour's Jacinda Ardern to beat in 2011, especially since she's almost certain to be off her crutches by then.

I learned that mild-mannered backbencher Cam Calder isn't nearly as boring as I thought, and that he likes The Checks and other bands that hail from Auckland's North Shore.

I learned that PR spinmeister Matthew Hooton can't bring his friends with him to Premier House even if he did use to be Lockwood Smith's press secretary.

I learned that smoking is now permitted in the grounds of Premier House, after years of enforced abstinence under Helen Clark's rule.

I learned that there are some very nice Christmas lights (and possibly a partridge) in the large tree at the front of Prem House this year, and that Key paid for them himself lest he get accused of wasting taxpayers' money.

And I learned that it is possible to serve other food at the prime minister's residence besides baked ham and pavlova, and that Labour MP Rick Barker's wife no longer attends to the catering there.

A pleasant evening overall, with the Nats in an upbeat mood, as you'd expect.

The previous night was Labour's caucus do, which was a smaller affair but also fun. Labour are now in National's former offices in Parliament Buildings but instead of using the caucus room Labour spilled out into the foyer around the stairs, which was a nice change.

I remember the early days after National lost the 2002 election and for a couple of years there no one wanted to come to their parties (a shame because they were good ones). Labour is going through a bit of that, but I thought their MPs were more upbeat than I remembered National was in 2002.

For the same reasons there's only so much one can say about Labour's drinks, but I learned a bit there too.

I learned Labour can do Christmas drinkies, after years of Bah, Humbug during its time in government

I learned Phil Goff is more personable than he is on telly (which I already knew) and is also a gracious host.

I learned Jacinda Ardern will give Nikki Kaye a run for her money in Auckland Central in 2011.

I learned Labour's victory on the shop trading law (Todd McClay's private member's bill was defeated during the week) has boosted spirits in the party after a tough year. You could hear the whoops all the way from the lobby.

I learned list MP Lynne Pillay will turn 61 next year, which surprised me because she looks much younger.

I learned that the Greens were invited to National's drinks but not to Labour's.

And I learned that everyone is looking forward to the press gallery's Christmas party next week.

I am too, because the press gallery party is the only one in which you get MPs from all parties in one room with media and other political junkies. Tribal affiliations and egos have to be left at the door and everyone just has to get along and have a good time.

A bit like Christmas itself, really.

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