Take it from an event-space veteran: it’s not too early to start planning your company holiday party. There’s always more to do than you remember, and the last thing you need in a season already chock full of stress is further stress, brought on by last-minute office party preparations. Organizing your event now will also help ensure everything runs smoothly, in the process creating an unforgettable event your employees will talk about for holiday seasons to come.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
It’s not all about the money, but much of it is. A budget gives you parameters and helps keep your thinking realistic. Determine how much your company is willing to spend on the party and make sure the amount covers the essentials, including the venue, food, decorations, and entertainment. Tips for sticking to the budget include:
- Comparing quotes from multiple vendors
- Choosing cost-effective menu options
- Prioritizing what’s most important for your event
By establishing financial limits now, you’ll be able to make decisions that don’t break the bank later.
Choose the Holiday Party Date Wisely
In terms of maximizing the ability of people to attend, selecting the right date is crucial to the success of your holiday party. You need to pick a day that’s available to as many employees as possible. So make sure you consider company schedules, employees’ holiday travel (as best as you can determine), and whether a weekday or weekend might be more suitable. Once you’ve chosen the date, send out a “Save The Date” notification ASAP. This will give the most people as much time as possible to plan ahead and be there for the party of the season.
Secure a Venue Early
Booking the venue early for the office holiday party is another essential, as popular locations fill up fast. Start researching your options now, and think about what kind of setting would best suit your group. There are many options available, though dedicated event spaces exist for a reason. They’re set up for handling large numbers of people, along with the corresponding amount of food and drink. Oftentimes, they also have professional staff available, which can elevate the atmosphere of the event. Make sure the venue can accommodate the size of your guest list and offers the amenities you need, such as seating, parking, and AV equipment.
Plan the Menu With Care
The food is one of the highlights of any holiday party, so it’s important to offer a variety of options. Decide whether you want a buffet or sit-down dinner. Both have their pros and cons. No matter which you choose, be sure to account for dietary restrictions and preferences among your employees to ensure everyone can enjoy the meal. Popular office holiday party menu ideas include classic dishes like:
- Roast turkey
- Stuffing
- Mashed potatoes
- Seasonal desserts
Alternatively, don’t be afraid to have some fun. Be creative. People will probably have their fill of all of the above by the end of the season, and so might be thrilled at the notion of something completely different. (Speaking of fun, creative menus, Union Mills Public House is always ready to collaborate with you on custom menus for any of your private events. Let’s talk!)
Select Entertainment and Activities
Music sets the mood for so many events; classical music probably isn’t what you’d play to energize the crowd at a college football game. The musical entertainment you choose for your company holiday party needs similar thoughtfulness. There’s nothing like a live band, which doesn’t doesn’t have to mean rock or pop. Jazz can be a welcome option. You can also go the route of DJ. Everyone loves a DJ, because they have such a wide range of music available at the click of a mouse or a spin of the vinyl. Think about the mood you want to set and go from there.
In addition to music, consider fun activities like gift exchanges, party games, or even an awards ceremony to recognize employees for their hard work. You could also gather input on what activities attendees would most enjoy, making the event even more personal and engaging.
Choose a Theme and Corresponding Decor
A theme can elevate the entire experience and give your company holiday party a cohesive feel. Decorate with lights, wreaths, and seasonal colors to create an archetypal holiday atmosphere. Ideas include a winter wonderland, or holiday classics like “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol.” With the right decor, your venue will be transformed into a holiday escape perfect for a big celebration. And again, don’t feel constrained by the expectations of the season. You could create a unique holiday theme that ties into your brand, for example. Have fun with it.
Be the Holiday Party Hero
Employees really look forward to these yearly events. To cutting loose a bit with colleagues. To catching up outside of the lunch room. To let someone else do the party planning for once! And that someone is you, dear reader. So start planning your company holiday party now. Set your budget, secure your date, venue and menu, and pick your decor. You’ll be the office hero for creating something your colleagues can look forward to, enjoy, and take into their own holidays.
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