Planning the office Christmas party can be daunting. Especially if you’ve not attended many. But it is far easier than you think and can even turn out to be a lot of fun.
Using this straightforward guide will help you throw a Christmas bash that is unforgettable for all the right reasons.
I’ve broken it all down into a simple step-by-step process.
Related blog posts to read:
- What Christmas Means to Me As I Get Older
- Five Things to do in New York at Christmas
- 10 Things to See and Do in London at Christmas
- How to Spend Christmas in New York City
Pick the Date Early
The earlier you pick the date the better. Letting people know the date early also makes it more likely they will attend.
Consider hosting the party from early to mid-December. That way you are catching people before the stress related to Christmas has taken hold.
Make it Fun: Choose a Theme
The most memorable parties are fun. Speak to colleagues about past events to find out what they like and what they loathe about company Christmas parties.
With what they say in mind, decide on a party style. It could be a sit-down meal at a posh restaurant or a disco-themed party at a venue with a 70s-style dance-floor. The more fun you make it, the more guests you’ll have and the more memorable it will be.
At this stage decide on whether you will have entertainment and plan any extra activities. As well as establish whether staff will be given gifts or special items of clothing like party hats.
Book the Venue As Soon As Possible
Once you have the look and feel of the party sorted you can book the venue. Do this as early as possible. It’s the best way to secure your ideal spot and do so at a low price. Leaving you with a bigger slice of the budget for entertainment, food, and beverages.
To be able to book early you will want to have chosen the date and got an idea of how many people are likely to attend by mid-September.
Take into Account Dietary and Other Needs
When booking the food and drink, ensure that everyone’s dietary needs and preferences are fully catered for. This includes those based on religion as well as those relating to allergies and ethics.
Everyone practises their faith differently, so don’t assume that someone who does not celebrate Christmas will automatically say no to attending the office party. Also, double-check accessibility and other facilities for disabled colleagues.
Arrange Transportation if Needed
If the venue is not well connected to public transport that runs late at night and is safe to use, consider providing transportation.
Establish who will pay for this and arrange it all early. If the guests are paying, take payment well in advance and make it clear that it is non-refundable.
Invite People Early
Generally speaking, the earlier you ask people the more likely it is that they will be free to attend, so get those invitations out early. Doing this also gives you a bit of time to tweak the arrangements. For example, if more people say yes than expected, book an extra minibus taxi.
Put Together A Party Website
Having all of the information people need available in one place that everyone can access will make your life a lot easier. It is often worth setting up a simple website that includes the venue address, public transport, parking, nearby accommodation options and the menu.
When you sent out the invites you should have told people about any theme or dress code. Guests should also be reminded of the need to behave as if they were still at work.
In the UK, inappropriate behaviour that takes place at a work party has to be dealt with by management as if it happened in the workplace. It is also worth including these reminders on the party website.
Keep Track of Your Budget
To ensure you stick to your budget, set up a spreadsheet before you book anything. Do it in a way that will enable you to compare the costs as well as keep track of your spending.
If you do a good job, you will likely be asked to arrange next year’s Christmas party. Keeping a copy of the website, spreadsheets and contact details you used this time around will make things far easier for you next year.
Leave a Reply