7 Tips for Planning Your Office Holiday Party

On top of everything else you have to do in the fourth quarter, now you’ve got to plan the office holiday event.

“Most planners work hard to create a great party and the Negative Nellie ruins it for them,” laments Kearney, MO-based Suzanne Forman, who’s planned many an office party. She advises doing the best you can and don’t sweat the haters.

Here are seven office holiday party ideas and tips to help you do more this holiday for the people you work with.

It may feel too soon, but holiday venues and party supplies go fast, so it’s critical to get a jump on the process. Like, right now!

Is there a particular concept you want to promote, like a holiday carnival, casino night or sports? Should folks dress formally or casually? These decisions influence décor, menu and venue choices.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back at the holidays, build camaraderie among staff and gain additional exposure. Consider caroling at a nursing home or hospital or preparing necessities bags for people in need.

Is your event just for staff, or are significant others invited? What about kids? Some small businesses also invite top customers and prospects. Just remember: More may not be merrier as far as your budget is concerned.

As soon as you have the date, scope and theme, send a hold-the-date card. Once you have the location and other key details, send a formal invitation.

What kind of food do you want to serve? Healthy eats to combat additional holiday calories? Traditional holiday fare? Choose a food style that has the broadest appeal to your team. Do you want a catered event, a potluck or to go out to a restaurant? Consider the cost of catering in or eating out to determine a ballpark budget. And, what about beverages –– adult or not? Factor in time of day, location and your company values when choosing.

Spin the globe and feature traditional holiday foods from around the world.

Can you accommodate the party or activity on-site, or do you want/need to get away? Off-site events may require additional planning for transportation and other logistics. On-site activities might mean renting furniture, buying special equipment like a sound system, or stocking additional supplies like cutlery, cups and plates.

What additional activities will make the event even more special? Many planners include dancing, a raffle, entertainment or a photo booth to add more energy to the event.

Karaoke is always popular, especially if you use holiday tunes. Update your cornhole set by pasting a poster of Frosty the Snowman to the board.

Use these tips and ideas to plan a fantastically festive office holiday party or outing. With a little advance planning and budgeting, you can celebrate the season in style.

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