Start Planning Your Corporate Holiday Party Now!

Imagine Thanksgiving rolling around and instead of panicking over the impending rush of the holiday season, you can sit back and enjoy your turkey dinner because you have already selected the location for your company party.  Sounds fabulous, right?  To avoid the stress that sometimes surround the holidays, begin preparing the festivities for you and your colleagues.  Planning now allows you to solicit help from co-workers to plan the spectacular event.

A successful holiday party is an event that embraces your company’s culture and feels inclusive.  It can be an opportunity to recognize your team and celebrate what your company has accomplished together over the past year. Below are a few tips to help you throw the best party of 2019.

1. Assemble your party planning team or hire a professional to do the work!

There are corporate event planners who handle the logistics of pulling off a successful, fun, and memorable holiday party.  The planner can save you time and the *stress* of event responsibilities.

However, if you opt not to hire a professional, think TEAM WORK so the entire planning burden does not fall on one person.  Making party planning a group effort can encourage collaboration between people on different teams, work to align your celebration with your workplace culture, and help each other stick to your party budget.

Tip:  Do not forget to arrange plans for the set up and tear down of your event! This way one person is not left solo at the end of the night packing décor and folding up tables and chairs.

2. Location, location, location

A big factor when it comes to throwing an unforgettable holiday party is the venue. Some of your guests may spend 40+ hours a week in the office so it may be difficult to relax and celebrate in the same space. Hosting an event off site is a wonderful way to allow employees to enjoy themselves. 

Tip: Spaces fill up fast as the holidays approach, so once you have found the perfect space for your event, be prepared to book! For information on Lace House availability, give us a call at 803-737-2235.

3. Set the Date

Selecting a date allows you to book the perfect venue and line up a fantastic team of vendors such as catering and entertainment.  Think about what time of day would work best for your holiday party.  Invitations also need to be considered.  Are you going to send an email blast or mail a printed invitation?       

4. Decide the Atmosphere

The holiday party is a chance for your entire team to mingle and have fun.  Think about the tone you want set for the occasion.  Is your party going to be formal or informal with guests wearing cocktail dresses or ugly sweaters?  Do you want a sit-down meal or reception style with food stations?  Will there be a theme?  Answering these questions will help you proceed with a plan.

5. Determine a Menu

Select a caterer that can help fulfill the vision for the party.  The caterer can assist with selecting a delicious menu that will meet your needs and budget.  You will also want to contemplate a bartending company to serve festive cocktails.    

6. Plan Entertainment and/or Activities

Nail down a strategy for entertainment and activities.  Do you want to hire a live band or DJ, or maybe have a team member streaming a seasonal playlist.  Are you interested in activities to add to the festivities?  If so, below are a few holiday party activities.

• Create a cookie decorating station
• Rent a photo booth with holiday-themed props
• Have a karaoke contest with holiday-related songs

We hope these tips will help you successfully plan your next corporate holiday party.

If you have fun planning, your guests will have fun attending!