With the Christmas season in full swing, many companies are preparing for the most prominent corporate event of the year – the annual Christmas or year-end party. The event is often the most awaited for most as it allows employees to loosen up and mingle with coworkers minus the stress. It is also when companies recognize and reward employees for their hard work throughout the year. Top it all off with nice food and drinks, fun activities, and a chance to win exciting prizes, a gathering like this is definitely a highlight of the year.
If you’re tasked to handle the corporate Christmas party this year, ensure the event will leave a lasting impact on your boss and colleagues. So start planning your Christmas party itinerary as early as now. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to adjust and readjust whatever is necessary to make the event more memorable. To help you out, here are some viable tips and ideas to make it an unforgettable corporate affair.
How To Organize a Christmas Party
If you’re not sure where to start when planning a corporate Christmas party, you can follow the following steps:
1. Establish a budget.
Budget is the most critical factor when planning a corporate Christmas party. It will determine the size and scope of your celebration, and smart budgeting will prevent financial disaster. Therefore, the most natural first step is determining your budget before considering the Christmas party theme, entertainment, holiday decorations, or food.
Ensure you obtain all necessary financial information from the company’s budget manager. When you know how much money has been allocated for the event, you can develop a more thorough spending plan for each aspect of the party.
2. Create a guest registry.
This step is pretty simple as you’d only have to send out an email to your workforce and ask for a confirmation of each one’s attendance. If the budget permits, you may also invite VIPs, external stakeholders, and sponsors to your event. Or, you may even tell employees that they can invite a +1 or +2 to the event – again, this depends on how much the company has allotted to the event.
Once you have a general estimate of the number of attendees, you can proceed to the following step.
3. Select a date.
Typically, a Christmas party should take place in December. But it could be challenging to locate a suitable date, as everyone will be preparing for their family’s Christmas celebration. So, depending on the number of people you invite to the party, you can put together a poll with a few different dates to choose from. Ideally, the best days for a party are Thursdays and Fridays, so always keep those in mind if you’re planning one.
4. Choose a Christmas party theme.
Put your creativity to the test and give your Christmas party a theme. This step is optional but can make your Christmas celebration more enjoyable. Consider themes such as The Great Gatsby, The Grinch, Fire & Ice, Masquerade Ball, Winter Wonderland, or anything else trending this year.
Once you’ve decided on a theme, list all the holiday decorations you’ll need, including lights, lanterns, a sound system, table decorations, and backdrops.
5. Pick a Christmas party venue.
Who says that every office party must take place in the office? You can arrange a party at an exciting location if you want to get to know your staff outside the workplace. Inexpensive choices include bowling alleys, comedy clubs, or restaurants.
However, if budget is not an issue, you may rent a lovely location, such as a hotel function room, mountain lodge, winery, or private resort. Since the location can significantly impact the party’s mood, discuss your ideas with several employees to ensure everyone is on board with your choice.
6. Consider dress code alternatives.
Depending on your event’s location, theme, and activities, you should advise a specific dress code for your employees to follow. Nothing is more daunting than thinking if you’ll be overdressed or underdressed for the corporate occasion. If the Christmas dress code is clear and specific, you will spare employees from the anxiety of deciding what to wear to the party.
7. Send out invites.
After deciding on the Christmas party venue, theme, and dress code, you can design eye-catching invites to generate excitement. Your employees will appreciate receiving a professionally-designed invitation in the mail for formal parties. But if your party is more informal, you can get away with making a great invitation and delivering it via email or any other common workplace communication medium.
8. Choose a caterer.
Choose a caterer consistent with your theme. Some venues may have in-house or preferred caterers that you can employ. You must also ensure that the catering menu accommodates all visitors’ dietary requirements, including allergies and special diets. If you want your guests to socialize, start the celebration later and serve appetizers instead of a traditional dinner.
9. Book transportation.
It is crucial to arrange transportation to and from your holiday celebration, particularly if alcoholic beverages will be served or if the venue is far from the office. Buses or limos should transport guests from the office to and from the event if the celebration is in a remote area. You can also organize transportation to bring everyone to their homes if you’re going to serve alcohol.
10. Organize fun programs and activities.
You should also organize entertaining games, such as a gift lottery or a costume contest. Christmas karaoke, trivia about Christmas movies, and decorating gingerbread cookies are among the most popular activities. You don’t need to come up with these ideas on your own. The Internet lists several enjoyable activities you can select and make arrangements for with little effort. You can also ask employees for some ideas.
Conclusion
Organizing a corporate Christmas party might seem daunting with the holiday season fast approaching. Nevertheless, a perfect Christmas party is possible with the right combination of early preparation and skillful planning. Remember that you only do this once a year for your employees, and there is no better way to show appreciation for your staff than with a festive Christmas party.
Consider these parties an excellent way to express gratitude and an opportunity for your employees to bond over games, drinks, and delicious food. Remember that by following the tips mentioned above, you’ll have a successful corporate event that will be remembered for years to come.
Have a Blast at the Party, and Stay Safe with Black Mountain Limo.
While you want to enjoy your corporate Christmas party to the max, thinking of going home safe may hinder you from doing so. This is especially true if alcoholic beverages are served during the party. Fortunately, it’s possible to have a blast at the party by engaging the services of Black Mountain Limo. With our skilled drivers and luxurious line of vehicles to choose from, rest assured that you’ll get to the party and back to your home safe and sound. Call us now to book early!
