Three Tips for Hosting Your Company Holiday Party

The leaves have fallen, there’s a chill in the air and one thing is on everyone’s minds: the holidays. Get into the spirit of the season within your organization. Start planning your company holiday party to create a memorable event.

Don’t let your company holiday party become an afterthought. Talk about it early and often to get folks excited for the year-end celebration.

Starting with team meetings, make a point of talking about the event early.

• Choose a Date - The holidays are a popular time to use up remaining vacation, and many departments will be finalizing projects. Choose a date when most team members will be available.
• Reminders - As the party date nears, reiterate that the event is approaching. Bring it up in group discussions and send out reminder emails, especially if folks can help with the planning.

Even if the party won’t be a fancy event, it’s helpful to get a few people to figure out the specifics.

• Signups to Help Organize - Post a signup sheet in the kitchen or in an online chat for team members to plan the holiday party. Workers can have input on specific details, and more creative folks can channel their energy.
• Calendar Invites for Planning - Put together a planning schedule so meetings don’t interfere with work tasks. Even if group members will work on certain aspects independently, it is helpful to bring everyone up to speed on progress.

Seasonal celebrations don’t have to be as basic as ordering pizza for the office. Plan the finer points of the event, and use these holiday festivities as a way for the team to toast the year’s victories.

You have a date, but there’s way more to hosting a successful company holiday party. Don’t forget to hammer out the details.

• What Time to Have the Party - Employees love paid recreational time, so afternoon-long events are popular. Still, tight-knit groups will happily participate in an event after work.
• Type of Party - Consider adding a theme (ugly sweater, white elephant, etc.) to enhance enthusiasm. Additionally, think about how formal it should be, from a professional cocktail party to a casual, packaged party at a fun venue.
• Have a Loose Schedule - If each minute of the party is planned, it might start to feel like a work meeting. Come up with a schedule that allows for fun and flexibility, like a wide time range to eat and play games and smaller time windows for formal activities like speeches.
• Order Catering/Food Service (Optional) - Many restaurants will provide a separate catering menu. Of course, all-in-one venues like Zone 28 provide the food and the fun.

Your company holiday party is for the team, so make it about them. From the invites to the activities, make it personal and express appreciation.

• Invite Significant Others - Nothing says “welcoming” more than inviting loved ones. It lets employees and their families to get acquainted.
• Gift Exchange - Whether it’s the popular white elephant or team members simply exchange with everyone, heartfelt gifts add magic to a party.
• Team Awards/Recognition - Employees in any organization want nothing more than to know that their work matters. Whether you provide recognition via personal awards or provide a heartfelt thank you, the acknowledgement means the world.

Let Zone 28 make the holiday party planning process a little easier. Our expert party planners will work with your party committee to design a custom event that your team will remember. Book your party today and get a free gift.