It might seem like the holidays are still ages away at this point, but we all know how it goes — Halloween hits, and then it’s Thanksgiving before you know it! Holiday work parties are a great opportunity to gather your team, reflect on accomplishments, and build goodwill to carry into the new year, but planning them is a headache most of us would rather put off. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
Make things easy on yourself by getting an early start on planning this year’s shindig. Whether you’re planning a potluck get together in the breakroom or a formal ballroom affair, these tips are guaranteed to make your party a success.
1. Start planning now
Time is always tight around the holidays, so save yourself some stress by taking care of party arrangements well in advance. Starting the planning process early gives you maximum flexibility in terms of booking venues, catering, and entertainment. The longer you wait, the more options will start to dry up, so don’t snooze!
2. Give the people what they want!
Make sure your party matches your company culture. Ask your managers to solicit opinions from their teams and plan accordingly. You might just be surprised with what your hear. Do lots of employees want to bring along their spouses and kids? Maybe a casual afternoon party is in order. Does a member of your team play in a band? Perhaps they could be a budget-saving source of entertainment. Great ideas come into focus when you keep your ears open!
3. Organize, organize, organize
Iron out details weeks ahead of time so they don’t take up your time (and bust your budget) the week of the party. Send out RSVPs early so that you have a firm idea of how many guests to expect well in advance, which will keep down catering costs and prevent waste. Don’t forget to ask about and account for your team members’ dietary restrictions as you plan a menu. Setting an itinerary is a good way to make sure all of your bases are covered.
4. Party with a purpose
Once the festivities are underway, it’s tempting to just sit back, grab a drink, and relax. But you’ve invested all of this time, effort, and money on throwing a great event, so don’t miss out on a chance to leverage it into a lasting positive impact on your company. Save some time in the party itinerary to honor your team for their accomplishments and set the tone for the year ahead. It doesn’t matter whether you’re throwing a big-budget blowout or a casual gathering — the true value in your holiday party lies in letting your staff know that they’re appreciated and making them proud to be a part of the team.