Garden Party - The Office (Season 8, Episode 4)

Andy decides to throw a garden party at Schrute Farms to impress his parents and Robert California, and exhaustively explains party manners to the office workers. Andy is jealous at the amount of attention his younger brother Walter Bernard, Jr. receives from his father, and thinks that by throwing an elaborate party he can ensure his father's blessings. At first, the party goes along smoothly. Andy makes a toast to Robert in order to get his fellow employees to toast him, as if to show to his parents and California that he is valued by his employees. His plan backfires, however, and instead more people toast Robert, and Robert's toast is about the easiness of the manager job. To get everybody's mind off of Robert, Andy decides to sing "More Than Words" as a duet with his father. This too goes awry as his father corrects his playing and singing, and ultimately decides to sing a duet with Walter Jr. instead of Andy. Upset, Andy takes his guitar and storms off.

His father confronts him privately about his outburst, and when Andy admits to trying to win his father's affection, he reacts with annoyance, harshly telling him that he is simply not proud of Andy's accomplishments, and is annoyed at Andy's attempts to gain his approval. This conversation is overheard by the other staff on the baby monitor Jim and Pam brought for their daughter, and Pam quickly turns off the monitor to let Andy save face. Darryl and Oscar confide to the camera that they now understand why Andy feels he needs to prove himself to everyone. After his family leaves, a dejected Andy, feeling unwanted by his family and co-workers, says goodbye to the office staff as they turn the garden party into a barbecue. Darryl and Oscar, however, convince Andy to stay with a cheeseburger and a beer.

Dwight wants to make the garden party a classy event to expand Schrute Farms' clientele. He thoroughly reads a book called The Ultimate Guide to Throwing A Garden Party that he bought online, actually written by Jim under the pseudonym "James Trickington". The book gives outlandish advice such as announcing each guest's name as they arrive in an extremely loud manner, imitating The Last Supper in a tableau vivant in the middle of a meal, dancing with his party staff, and a fire court dance as the closing ceremonies, all of which Dwight follows to the letter.

Pam feuds with co-worker Angela over baby names. Pam and Angela learn they've both chosen the name Phillip for their soon-to-be-born sons, with Pam naming her child after her deceased grandfather and Angela after her favorite cat. Angela, annoyed that Pam does not relinquish the name, makes a toast to "my son Phillip" at the garden party—only to have Pam make the same toast but describe in great detail how the name honors her grandfather. Angela, unwilling to reveal her feline-centric reasons for the name, simply grouses to the camera that Pam is always copying her.

Throughout the party, Kelly keeps hinting how cold she is, hoping Ryan will offer his jacket. However, Ryan instantly offers his jacket to Robert, who is not even cold. Gabe also offers his, hinting at a rivalry between them in terms of sucking up to Robert, later evidenced in "Pool Party". Dwight's cousin Mose has fun being a valet, lining up the guests' cars in a field to perform a motorcycle stunt. However, he fails to get his motorcycle up the ramp, and instead runs across the tops of the cars, but is still satisfied.

Best Funny Quotes From The Office - Garden Party

Photo of Jim Halpert
entering office Hey. So, we saw a new billboard.
Yeah? Pretty cool, huh?
Photo of Andy Bernard

Photo of Andy Bernard
What better way to announce our new slightly lower prices than with an ad campaign? And what better face for an ad campaign than our new regional manager?

How’d it look?
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Jim Halpert
You’ve seen it, right?
No.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Pam Beesley
Andy, somebody defaced it.
What? Stanley enters office laughing Morning, Stanley.
Photo of Andy Bernard

Photo of Jim Halpert
There’s this thing that people tend to do with billboards. How do I put this? If there’s an opportunity for a graffiti artist to work in a… phallic shape, interacting with the artwork, it’ll happen, and Andy gave them that opportunity.

Erin, how long did we order those billboards for?
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Erin
Six months.
Oh, god. I need you to call the billboard company.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Meredith Palmer
entering office Great billboard! Funny, edgy, right up to the line without crossing it, loved it.
Which one did you see?
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Meredith Palmer
Washington Street, the one with, like, twenty dongs on it.
Okay, don’t be gross.
Photo of Jim Halpert
Photo of Dwight Schrute
entering office What’s going on?
Somebody defaced the billboards we just put out in an inappropriate way.
Photo of Pam Beesley
Photo of Dwight Schrute
Oh, that’s funny. Wait, from the photo shoot with you and me?
Yeah, Dwight.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Dwight Schrute
No. No. No! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! running from building No, no, no, no, no, no, No, No, No, NO, NO! NO! NO! NO! stopping in front of defaced billboard NOOOOOOOOO!

Schrute Farms is very easy to find, it’s right in the middle of the root vegetable district. If the soil starts to get acidic, you’ve probably gone too far.
Photo of Dwight Schrute
Photo of Ryan
Just give us the address. We’ll look it up online.
It’s simpler this way.
Photo of Dwight Schrute
Photo of Oscar Martinez
It’s really not.
Now, stated arrival time is 3 p.m.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Kelly Kapoor
I don’t get the reason for this party.
Yeah, what’s the reason?
Photo of Phyllis
Photo of Kelly Kapoor
What’s the reason, Andy? What’s the reason?
It’s just a garden party. Sheesh.
Photo of Andy Bernard

Photo of Andy Bernard
You don’t need a reason to throw a garden party anymore than you need a reason to throw a birthday party. It’s a garden party. You don’t need a reason.

Few other super simple reminders – no burping, no slurping, when eating take small bites and chew thoroughly with your mouth closed. Yes, Darryl?
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Darryl Phylbin
What happens when we’re done chewing? Do we spit it out on the floor, or keep it in our mouths the rest of the time?
I get it, I’m being a little overbearing. But I promise to be underbearing for a week if you guys just all… step it up.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Oscar Martinez
Andy, we understand basic table manners, we’re not children.
Yeah, it’s just a picnic.
Photo of Phyllis
Photo of Andy Bernard
This is not a picnic, Phyllis, it’s a garden party.
There’s a grill in the warehouse I could bring.
Photo of Darryl Phylbin
Photo of Andy Bernard
Aw, ew, please don’t. Not a barbecue. It’s better than a barbecue. It’s dignified, quieter, there are rules.
How is that better than a barbecue?
Photo of Pam Beesley
Photo of Ryan
What’s the dress code on this?
I’m glad you asked – Connecticut Casual.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Stanley Hudson
Any chance Connecticut Casual is Pennsylvania Business, i.e. this is what I’m wearing to your party.
Guys, my family just threw a garden party to celebrate my brother’s promotion. It was a huge success. Check it out, there’s a video online. Heartwarming impromptu father-son duet.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Kevin Malone
Yeah, Oscar, you showed me this.
I’ve seen this, that’s not you.
Photo of Darryl Phylbin
Photo of Meredith Palmer
Yeah, whoa, who’s the sausage?
It’s my dad and my brother. I would have joined in but this melody doesn’t really support another harmony part, so… Check it out, that’s my brother’s boss. Look how psyched he is, he’s having an awesome time.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Jim Halpert
Ah, and did Robert California get an invite to your party?
Yeah, of course. Ye… I mean, uh, yeah, I think he did. groans from the group
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Phyllis
Why didn’t you just say this was to impress Robert California?

I cannot believe that Andy is throwing a party like this just to impress the CEO. Classic Gabe move. Hey Andy, how about you don’t steal my business strategies, and I won’t dress like my life is just one long brunch?
Photo of Gabe

Photo of Andy Bernard
See you all there at 3 p.m., Connecticut Casual, remember your manners, and have a wonderful time.
And please refer to the map, stay off of the web. Thank you.
Photo of Dwight Schrute

Photo of Jim Halpert
pointing to computer monitor So, we’ve typed in the address, now let’s take a look at the street view. picture of Dwight and Mose on a see-saw
They don’t warn you when the cameras are driving by.
Photo of Dwight Schrute
Photo of Jim Halpert
Ah. Why do you keep reading that garden party book? I mean, how hard are finger sandwiches and tea?
There’s so much more to it than that.
Photo of Dwight Schrute

Photo of Dwight Schrute
I’ve been wanting Schrute Farms to break into the high-end event hosting industry for some time, and this party is a great opportunity. Plus, I’ve got a secret weapon. holds up book, Throwing A Garden Party by James Trickington Only one copy in the world and some sucker on the internet sold it to me for two dollars. laughs

I’m actually really disappointed in how poorly my book is doing. holds up same book I’ve only sold one copy.
Photo of Jim Halpert

Photo of Angela Martin
Is there anything you wish you had done differently to avoid cankles?
Nope.
Photo of Pam Beesley
Photo of Angela Martin
I’ve already gone up another cup size. The senator is grossed out. When do you start feeling it kick?
Cece was around 22 weeks, but Phillip was much earlier.
Photo of Pam Beesley
Photo of Angela Martin
Phillip?
Oh, oh my gosh. Yes, but don’t, don’t say anything, okay? It’s after my grandfather.
Photo of Pam Beesley
Photo of Angela Martin
Phillip is the name that we’re using. It’s after my favorite cat.
giggling Oh, wow. Funny. It’s after my grandfather.
Photo of Pam Beesley
Photo of Angela Martin
It’s after my cat.

on the phone Andrew, I’ve picked up two possible gifts to bring this afternoon. One, a pot of marmalade.
Photo of Robert California
Photo of Andy Bernard
Ooh, that sounds great.
Well, that, that is what you want then, the marmalade.
Photo of Robert California
Photo of Andy Bernard
Sure.
You don’t want to hear the other one. You love marmalade.
Photo of Robert California
Photo of Andy Bernard
Uh, I’ll hear the other one.
It’s a basil plant.
Photo of Robert California
Photo of Andy Bernard
You know, the marmalade sounds great.
I also mentioned the marmalade to my sister and she’s very interested.
Photo of Robert California
Photo of Andy Bernard
Then the basil will be fine.
Well, you clearly want the marmalade. Gretchen, I need another marmalade. Alright. hangs up
Photo of Robert California

Photo of Toby Flenderson
Hey, where do I park?
I’m the valet. You have to give me your car.
Photo of Mose
Photo of Toby Flenderson
Uh, you know what, I can go park it myself.
I’m the… I’m the valet. You have to give me your car.
Photo of Mose
Photo of Toby Flenderson
It’s probably okay…
Give me your car.
Photo of Mose
Photo of Toby Flenderson
I think it’s better that I…
Give me your car.
Photo of Mose
Photo of Toby Flenderson
It’s a finicky car…
Get out. Have a good time at the thing.
Photo of Mose
Photo of Toby Flenderson
It’s a little tricky, you might have to… take… Mose speeds away

MR. RYAN HOWARD!
Photo of Dwight Schrute

Photo of Jim Halpert
Chapter 2 – Announcing guests as they enter is the height of decorum. The more volume displayed, the more honor is bestowed upon everyone present.

STANLEY HUDSON AND HIS MISTRESS CYNTHIA! JAMES, PAMELA, AND PEEPEE HALPERT!
Photo of Dwight Schrute

Photo of Andy Bernard
How’s it going over here, guys?
Andy, stop hovering, you’re being really annoying.
Photo of Oscar Martinez
Photo of Andy Bernard
Didn’t mean to bother you, Mabel. Mabel, Mabel, if you’re able, keep your elbows off the table.
Wow.
Photo of Oscar Martinez
Photo of Dwight Schrute
MR. AND MRS. WALTER AND ELLEN BERNARD!

So, you all work with Andy.
Walter
Photo of Andy Bernard
Well, technically FOR Andy.
Technically FOR Robert California. He’s our CEO.
Photo of Oscar Martinez
Ellen
I thought you were the CEO.
I don’t know how you got there.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Walter
You said you were running the company.
This branch, I’m the regional manager.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Walter
Yes, that makes more sense. Are you all regional managers?

Did I throw this party to impress my parents? That’s crazy. Now, if they wanted a garden party, they could throw one themselves, which, as a matter of fact, they did, last week. They threw one for my baby brother who is totally amazing, but I couldn’t care less.
Photo of Andy Bernard

Photo of Andy Bernard
Can I introduce you around now?
Uh, yeah, we don’t have too long, we have theater tickets.
Walter
Photo of Andy Bernard
What are you going to see?
Money Ball. Walter Jr.’s choice.
Walter
Photo of Andy Bernard
What??
Hey Bronard!
Walter Jr
Photo of Andy Bernard
I didn’t know you were going to be here.
I wouldn’t have missed it.
Walter Jr

Photo of Erin
Ahh! bird steals her hat

I’m Walter, Andy’s younger brother.
Walter Jr
Photo of Jim Halpert
Oh, hey, how are you doing, I’m Jim.
Tuna, right? And this must be your lovely wife Pam looking at Meredith.
Walter Jr
Photo of Jim Halpert
No.
Hell no. She wishes.
Photo of Meredith Palmer
Photo of Jim Halpert
No, no, no, no, no. No.

Sir, I need to be able to feed all the guests.
Waiter
Photo of Kevin Malone
mouthful of food I understand.

Set that down. grabs waitress Present yourself.
Photo of Dwight Schrute

Photo of Jim Halpert
Chapter 4 – One of the host’s most important duties is as Dance Master. A proper courtly dance sets the tone for the entire afternoon.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MAY I PRESENT, ROBERT CALIFORNIA!
Photo of Dwight Schrute
Photo of Robert California
Hello Andy.
Welcome.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Robert California
Thank you.
Hey, I want you to meet my first bosses, Mom and Dad.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Robert California
Yes, hello, nice to meet you.
Pleasure.
Walter
Photo of Robert California
Andy, where shall I put your basil plant?
Oh, I thought you were going to bring marmalade.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Robert California
No, I’m certain you said basil.

This is not funny, man, let me down.
Photo of Ryan
Photo of Kevin Malone
I think this thing is broken.
It’s not broken, Kevin. This is how it works.
Photo of Ryan

Photo of Andy Bernard
So pretty today.
It’s getting chilly.
Ellen
Walter
We really should be leaving.
Yeah, um, it would be weird if the boss man didn’t make a toast, so, hang on. Everybody, I just want to take this opportunity to thank you all for coming, and to raise a glass to my amazing staff.
Photo of Andy Bernard

Photo of Andy Bernard
Toasts are great. I mean, you toast somebody, they toast you back. It just goes round and round. That’s my favorite part about toasts, the reciprocity.

Let’s hear from you guys, who do you want to toast?
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Darryl Phylbin
Yeah, I’ll say something. I think we should be acknowledging our boss, because none of us would be here without him. Robert California! everyone toasts

I can’t believe I didn’t think of toasting Robert. Get in the game, Gabriel! Why are you talking to Stanley’s mistress?
Photo of Gabe

Photo of Angela Martin
I would like to toast someone who isn’t here but who will be in just four short months. Welcome to the world, Phillip Lipton!
I also would like to toast Phillip Halpert, who is due even sooner. May he be a good namesake to my grandfather who I promised as a child long before tonight that I would one day name my son after him. To Phillip Halpert!
Photo of Pam Beesley

Photo of Angela Martin
She just always has to copy anything I do! It’s the Ford Taurus situation all over again!

I’d like to make a toast to the troops. All the troops. Both sides.
Photo of Ryan
Photo of Erin
I think we should toast…

Ladies and gentlemen! The last supper.
Photo of Dwight Schrute

Photo of Jim Halpert
Chapter 9 – The tableau vivant is not only welcomed, but expected entertainment at any garden party.

Andy? I think we should acknowledge the man who has led us to such a profitable quarter. To Robert California.
Photo of Kevin Malone
Photo of Gabe
I would also like to toast Robert California. Mr. California,…
You can’t triple toast somebody! At least not until we get everyone once.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Robert California
I’ll say a few words if that’s alright with you, Andy.
Yeah, yeah.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Robert California
You people say I led you, but it wasn’t me. You want to toast the man who led you to success, but the boss is irrelevant. Andy and I, we produce nothing. We do nothing. We sit in our offices and demand, I want this and that right now, like petulant children. You know, the difference between a crying baby and a manager, one day the baby will grow up. But, without you, Andy and I would be sitting in our dirty diapers, waiting for someone to change us, wipe us. I should be toasting you, thanking you, for allowing me to have the easiest job in the universe. Cheers.
To Robert California, from the moment you entered our building and our hearts, you…
Photo of Gabe
Photo of Andy Bernard
Some of you know that we have an internet star in our midst. Mr. Walter Baynes Bernard Sr., please report to the stage!
I’m eating, Andy.
Walter
Photo of Andy Bernard
Ah, come on!
Okay. Okay.
Walter
Photo of Andy Bernard
Yes!
What do you want to do?
Walter
Photo of Andy Bernard
Well, how about one of our classic father/son duets? starts playing guitar
Oh, whoa, sure? Really? It’s a little tricky.
Walter
Photo of Andy Bernard
singing Saying I love you is not the words…
It’s too high.
Walter
Photo of Andy Bernard
Yeah?
It’s high but it’s not that high.
Walter
Photo of Andy Bernard
Right, it feels strange.
Just take it down a little.
Walter
Photo of Andy Bernard
Saying I love… Saying I love you…
Here, give it to me. Okay. Uh, something like… singing Saying I love you is…
Walter
Andy & Walter
…not the words…
You don’t come in yet. singing …I want to hear from you, It’s not that I want you…
Walter
Andy & Walter
…not to say it but if you only knew… More than words is all you have to do to make it real…
Is anyone filming this? Seriously! Erin!
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Erin
holding up cell phone It’s either taping or calling.
What would you do if my heart was torn in two…
Andy & Walter
Walter
You know what, Walter Jr. is here. Why don’t you come up and join us?
Dad, no. I’m just having a good time getting to know Andy’s friends here.
Walter Jr
Photo of Meredith Palmer
Get up there and sing or I will cut your larynx and you’ll never be able to sing again. Woo!
singing May the good lord be with you down every road you roam. And may sunshine and happiness surround you when you’re far from home. And may you grow to be proud, dignified and true. And do unto others as you’d have done to you…
Walter & Walter Jr
Photo of Andy Bernard
applauds Cheers! Alright! Cheers, cheers, cheers, get your own guitar.
If you’d like to make a call, please hang up and try again.
Erin’s Cell Phone
Photo of Erin
Sorry.

I am so cold.
Photo of Kelly Kapoor
Photo of Ryan
That’s because you didn’t bring a jacket.

My first love is beet farming, but it’s a young man’s game. Who ever heard of an old beet farmer?
Photo of Dwight Schrute
Photo of Robert California
Forget the beets. Concentrate on the hosting. I could spend a considerable amount of money having my birthday party here.
Oh really? Well, we have a number of birthday packages. The Pewter Package has the least amount of goats, not no goats, it’s still 10-12 goats, depending on the availability of the goats. Now the Goat Package obviously has the most goats. What were you thinking?
Photo of Dwight Schrute
Photo of Robert California
Of course I am not interested in goats. Why would you spend so much time going over the goats with me?
I can get you exotic meats – hippo steaks, giraffe burgers…
Photo of Dwight Schrute
Photo of Robert California
We’ll talk. walks away
It’ll all be goat.
Photo of Dwight Schrute

Photo of Andy Bernard
Hello, Cece Halpert? This is Andrew Bernard. I’d very much like to speak with you about your paper supply needs. That wasn’t even my worst sales call.
knocks Hi. What was that display?
Walter
Photo of Andy Bernard
I don’t know, I just thought if I could throw this great garden party and show you how respected I am that you’d be proud of me.
Andrew…
Walter
Photo of Andy Bernard
I know, I know that you’re proud of me.
I’m not going to tell you how impressed I am that you’re a manager of some rinky dink branch of a paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. How long are you going to go on needing my approval? You’re a grown man, don’t act like a little boy who needs…
Walter

Photo of Darryl Phylbin
I think if I had parents like that I’d be trying to convince everyone all the time how great I was, too.
Guess we found Andy’s rosebud.
Photo of Oscar Martinez
Photo of Darryl Phylbin
Rosebud?
It’s a reference to Citizen Kane. Something that explains why a person became the way they are.
Photo of Oscar Martinez
Photo of Darryl Phylbin
I know Citizen Kane. Rosebud didn’t explain why he was how he was, it just represented what was important to him as a child, that he missed.
Different school of thought. Let’s just agree to disagree.
Photo of Oscar Martinez
Photo of Darryl Phylbin
No. You’re wrong.

Are you sure?
Photo of Robert California
Photo of Ryan
Yeah! I’m too hot anyway.
My body has somehow become acclimated to southern Italy. Isn’t that strange? I’ve never been there! Oh, ah, yes, that’s nice. Thank you.
Photo of Robert California

Walter
It was a nice party, the setting was a little strange. Uh, the food…
Sandwiches were dry.
Ellen
Walter Jr
Bye Tuna, bye Pam!

Hey everybody, I’m gonna leave and I just wanted to say I’m really sorry.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Darryl Phylbin
Cheeseburger or hamburger.
Um, cheeseburger.
Photo of Andy Bernard
Photo of Oscar Martinez
Narddog. throws Andy a can
Thanks, Oscar.
Photo of Andy Bernard

Photo of Pam Beesley
What are they doing?
Closing ceremonies.
Photo of Jim Halpert
Photo of Pam Beesley
Nice touch.

I think I left my wallet in your house.
Photo of Jim Halpert
Photo of Dwight Schrute
Who cares.
Right here.
Photo of Jim Halpert
Photo of Dwight Schrute
MR. JAMES HALPERT!
Keys, keys…
Photo of Jim Halpert
Photo of Dwight Schrute
Stop forgetting things.
I didn’t forget them, they’re right here.
Photo of Jim Halpert
Photo of Dwight Schrute
MR. JAMES HALPERT!
I’m so sorry, I think I forgot that thing…
Photo of Jim Halpert
Photo of Dwight Schrute
What? Idiot.
Whoo.
Photo of Jim Halpert
Photo of Dwight Schrute
MIS… MI… What are you doing?
Hey, I have a question. Who do you think is really the best salesman in this office?
Photo of Jim Halpert
Photo of Dwight Schrute
That’s a stupid question, obviously mISTER JAMES HALPERT!

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