As the year comes to a close it can be easy to get so wrapped up in end-of-the-year business and company goals that you neglect to celebrate the season. Hosting a holiday party is a great way to give yourself and your employees a chance to relax and unwind during this busy time of year.
With all of the other stressors happening at once it can feel as if a holiday party is just one more thing on your to-do list. Thankfully a great holiday party does not need to be an elaborate affair. Here are five easy steps to make sure your holiday party is a success.
1. Location Location Location
Choosing where to have your party is an extremely important consideration. If you’re a small or midsize business it probably makes the most sense to have it right in your office. By hosting the party in your office you’ll save a significant amount of money that can be better used towards food and entertainment. Your employees also won’t have to drive through holiday traffic in order to get to the venue since they’ll already be right there in the office.
If you decide that having your party would be better off-premises, then be sure to consider all of your network connections before deciding on your venue. You may be able to save quite a bit of money by contacting a client or business connection with a large conference area or convention facility that they may be willing to discount for you. Be sure to invite your colleagues to the party as well!
2. Entertainment
Choosing entertainment can be as simple as hiring a DJ. However if you want your party to be a bit more memorable why not consider a few out-of-the-box ideas? Perhaps have a tree that everyone can help decorate or host an award night to celebrate all of the hard work your employees have done over the course of the year. Not only will you save money but you’ll also help build up company morale and help your employees get to know each other better.
3. Book Catering in Advance
Catering is crucial to a fun and stress-free office party. If you try to do a potluck it will end up being more of a hassle for your employees rather than a chance to relax and unwind. Book your catering well in advance and try to take into account any dietary restrictions. Be sure to offer at least one allergy-friendly option to accommodate anyone who might be allergic to more common foods.
4. Decorate!
This can be one of the most fun parts of your holiday party! If you’re hosting the party in your office why not get your staff involved? Have a cubicle decorating contest and get some garland and holiday lights to set the mood. Poinsettias and wreaths are a great way to add some warmth to the atmosphere as well. The best part is you can leave the decorations up until the end of the season, making your office space feel a bit more warm and festive as you wrap up the year.
5. Gifts and Bonuses
What holiday season would be complete without gifts? A “secret Santa” or other type of gift exchange or gift-giving game is a great way to create a festive atmosphere for your holiday party. Everyone loves receiving gifts, and the “secret” aspect of it makes it that much more fun as employees attempt to figure out who is buying for whom. If you plan on giving out bonuses at the end of the year, the holiday party is a great place to distribute them. You’ll simply be adding to the fun and the joyful mood of your staff.
There’s no reason that your holiday party has to be a lot of extra work and hassle. If you follow these five simple steps you can be sure that your next holiday party will be successful and fun for all involved!
