Whether you’re planning the corporate holiday party yourself or you have a team helping out, you want to make sure you have everything ready for the big night. From the venue and decorations to the MC and the menu, it can be a lot to remember. Make sure the party goes off without a hitch by including these three things.
Here’s your corporate party planning checklist to make sure you have everything you need.
1. Location, Location, Location
Picking the location first allows you to better determine the other factors of the party, as where you plan to hold the party always affects the guests. It could be at the office where everyone is already present as to eliminate the possibility of travel or it could be held at a nearby venue that’s still easily accessible and within a reasonable commute.
Company culture often plays a part in holding the party onsite or offsite. Wherever you choose, the city has plenty of available spaces for any holiday party you have in mind. If it’s being held offsite, a big crowd at this time of season means you’ll need to secure a date and book the venue quickly.
Consider if the location is central enough so few guests have to go out of their way. It’s important to keep in mind how guests will return home. If the party has a bar, you want to ensure everyone can get home safely. It may be worthwhile to distribute taxi chits or reimburse cab fare that night to guarantee all attendees have a safe ride home.
2. Food for Thought
Feeding a large crowd can be tricky when you’re trying to please everyone. So many options are available when it comes to appetizers, entrees, drinks, and desserts—the possibilities really are endless. With expanding culinary palettes comes innovative menu ideas. The standard steak and chicken entrée is no longer the only option.
Tie the menu into the theme and serve seasonal cocktails. Have a totally new menu where guests can serve themselves by including a taco bar or DIY dessert station. Entertain guests with a live chef cooking fresh food. Consider whether it’s going to be a sit-down dinner or a buffet. You can even include elements of both along with an added sharing style to introduce a nostalgic dining element. Guests are no longer confined to one type of main dish and menus can incorporate several fun elements.
Allow guests to experience new foods and flavours they wouldn’t normally try. From vegan and gluten-free to kosher, caterers can work with many options to please everyone’s unique dietary needs. People remember good food, making it a crowd pleaser at a corporate holiday party.
3. A Killer Theme
The same old thing isn’t likely to be remembered by attendees, and when you’re trying to boost excitement for the party, a lackluster event may not do anything to get guests in the holiday spirit. Create a unique corporate holiday party by setting the theme for the event.
The purpose of the party is to congratulate staff and celebrate another year well done, and this can be tied in with joyous elements of the season—whether it’s an elegant winter wonderland or glamorous black-tie party. When you know everything has to coordinate, it can be easier to plan other aspects. Themes are great at tying in other parts of a party, such as location and menu, acting as a unifying point to bring the party and its guests together.
With these three things in mind, you can be sure to host an entertaining and unforgettable corporate holiday party.
