The office holiday party is the perfect opportunity for employees to socialize over good food and drinks and to celebrate all the great work your business has done during the year. By planning in advance, you can ensure that everyone has a good time and will be counting down the days until next year’s bash. Here are some tips to ensure your office holiday party goes off without a hitch.
Plan Ahead
First things first: pick a date for your holiday party.Plan early, as many venues book up quickly and you will be left with inadequate spaces that will leave your guests unsatisfied. It’s worth asking around the office for input on what night of the week works best, or even if a daytime party is preferred. Once the date is set, you can start looking at venues and sending out invitations for the event.
Ask for volunteers early and form a planning committee. One person can be in charge of securing a venue and catering, while another person chooses the decorations and theme. One captain can spearhead the entire committee and keep everyone on track. By assigning roles to different employees, the planning will become stress-free and the event is sure to be a success.Be wary of large committees. Smaller groups ensure that there are not too many competing views and opinions.
What’s Your Budget?
An office holiday party on any budget can be successful with the proper planning and resources. Set your budget early since this will influence a lot of your other choices, such as if you’ll have an open or cash bar, and what type of entertainment you want. Once you decide on your budget, stick to it! Brainstorm cost-effective ideas to get the most bang for your buck.
Pick a Theme
A theme is a great way to make your office holiday party more memorableand interactive. It can also help narrow down the decisions on what kind of decorations and type of food you want to go with. Some popular holiday party themes include a Christmas sweater party or a 50s themed gala, but feel free to think outside the box. More creative holiday party ideas include a murder mystery theme, where everyone dresses up in character, or a tropical holiday theme.
Decide on a Dress Code
Pick a dress code and convey it to all employees in advance. Even if you don’t choose a theme, communicate if the dress code will be formal, semi-formal, or office casual. This will prevent any potential embarrassment by ensuring that no one turns up to the event over or underdressed.
Venue
When choosing your venue, do your research and make sure that the space is suitable for your event. Some things to keep in mind are how many people the space can hold, location, and if it’s accessible.Check to see if the venue has on-site catering or a preferred list, so you will know in advance if you need to source out food and beverage. You’ll also want a venue space that’s reputable; check the reviews and ask around before booking any space.
Send out Invitations
When sending out invites, make sure that they include: the date, time and location, dress code, RSVP information,type of party (cocktail reception, sit-down dinner, etc.), and whether a plus one is invited.
Entertainment
Every great party needs entertainment! Choose whether you want a DJ, live band, or, if you’re on a budget, a custom playlist. Some great office holiday party ideas include playing a group game—like the new trend of escape games—giving out “best of” awards, or having a Secret Santa.
Food and Drink
One of the most important parts of the night: the food and drink. Decide if you want a sit down meal, snack stations, hors d'oeuvres, or a buffet, and let the food caterers take it from there.Also make sure to convey to your guests the type of food and beverage that will be enjoyed the night of the event.
Transportation
If there’s drinking involved at your party, make sure you have a system in place to ensure your employees get home safe. You can hand out taxi chits, charter a bus, or have designated drivers on hand to drive guests home.
