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Paul Spano

Organizing a great holiday party can be a very stressful job; there are many details to be ironed out and decisions to be made, all while making sure the party goes ahead smoothly. While it may feel daunting, pulling off a great party doesn’t have to be a big struggle. There are simple and efficient ways of ensuring that not only does everything go accordingly, but also that everyone has a good time. After all, the primary goal of any good holiday bash should be showing your employees a good timeand that their hard work and dedication is appreciated. If you’re planning a corporate party for the holidays, here are our tips for ensuring that everything goes off without a hitch!

Plan Ahead

Scrambling at the last minute to tie up loose ends and make sure details are finalized can really put a damper on the mood of the party and on corporate holiday spirit. A corporate party shouldn’t feel stressful or burdensome; it’s meant to relieve work stress; not increase it. Having a clearly communicated plan that is followed through on by all party organizers can help alleviate pressure and ensure things run much more smoothly. 

Communicate the Dress Code

If you’re unclear about how formal or informal the corporate holiday party is meant to be, employees are likely to be unsure about the unexpected attire. This goes alongside planning ahead; details such as dress code should be clearly communicated to all staff. Just because it’s a corporate party doesn’t mean it has to be formal, either. However, what is considered appropriate and inappropriate dress should be conveyed clearly. One way to have fun with the dress code is to encourage holiday-themed attire! Ugly Christmas sweater parties are a popular way of injecting some fun into the festivities. 

Encourage Bringing Guests

Family and friends are a big part of holiday celebrations, and encouraging employees to bring guests to your corporate holiday party is a great way of incorporating the people they care about into the fun. It gives employees an opportunity to attend work functions while also spending time with family, and more importantly, it gives everyone a chance to meet the people their coworkers care about. Encouraging employees to bring guests to a corporate holiday party is a great way to foster a supportive and welcoming environment year round, just make sure you get accurate numbers of guests ahead of time, so you can plan accordingly for chairs and food.

Clarify the Alcohol Policy

One of the biggest hitches that can take place at a corporate party is excessive alcohol consumption by certain guests. While it’s a holiday party, it’s still a corporate party, and not clarifying the alcohol policy can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for everyone. Navigating how much you can drink at an office party is always tricky for attendees, so your staff will appreciate clear communication as well. Also formulate plans for getting guests home safely, like taxi vouchers, hotel information, and treats for the designated drivers.

Relax!

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a corporate holiday party is meant to be something that is enjoyed by everyone, and that includes the organizers. While planning and clear communication are absolutely important, it’s important not to forget to have fun and relax! Organizing activities and games can really liven up a holiday party, but make sure to set aside time for mingling and socializing; insisting that something is constantly happening can stifle a good time. A great way to relax is to entrust some of the party duties to outside parties, like party planners or event caterers. They have experience handling corporate holidays parties and can take over the reigns while you enjoy the celebration.

Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Corporate Event

Paul Spano

With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Paul was the driving force that brought Seventh Heaven together back in 2001. Having started his career in the kitchen, Paul’s passion and thirst for knowledge helped him move quickly through the ranks. He is now Seventh Heaven’s Senior Sales Consultant, Event Planner, and Director of Venue Development. Managing different venues that seat 750 to 1800 guests, Paul brings exceptional operational skills to his role. No matter what you envision or what your dreams and desires are, Paul makes them a reality by getting it done. According to Paul, there is no greater joy than surpassing all of your clients’ and guests’ expectations. His expertise and passion make him one of the pillars of Seventh Heaven.
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