The holiday season is right around the corner and getting an early start to planning a corporate/office holiday party will alleviate stress for the “event planner.” If this happen to you, check out this tips below. Happy planning!
If you’re the “lucky” one charged with planning this year’s party, the task may seem onerous and overwhelming. With so many people to please, how do you know where to begin?
Whether it’s an on-site catered affair or an offsite bash, here are eight simple tips that will help you plan with ease, exceed your party-goers’ expectations, and make you look like the fabulous party-planning pro that you are:
1. Make a strategic (party) plan. First, ask your company’s executives and your co-workers what kind of event they would like to have and plan your menu and type of service around that. Would a buffet, sit-down dinner, or more formal station dining reception work best for your party?
If you have a diverse workforce, work with your caterer to develop a menu that is pleasing to all palates represented.
2. Theme parties aren’t just for kids’ birthdays. Instead of having a traditional holiday party, infuse some fun by creating a party theme, such as ‘winter wonderland.’ It’s a great way to add magic back into the season and create anticipatory buzz about the upcoming fête.
3. Remember your vegetarian friends. Make sure that there are a few options available to them throughout the entire menu — from hors d’oeuvres right through dinner.
4. Don’t leave them starving. I’m often asked what the rule of thumb is for the number of hors d’oeuvres per person. The answer, however, is not so cut and dried.
If your party is solely serving heavy hors d’oeuvres and nothing else, I would recommend 10 to 12 pieces per person. But if you’re planning on also serving a substantial meal later, you’ll typically be safe with four to six pieces per person.
5. Select alcohol responsibly. Alcohol is expensive and can quickly consume your entire budget if you let it.
If having an open bar, work with your caterer ahead of time to choose a few different wine and beer selections that work within your budget. That way, you will only be charged for the bottles needed rather than per glass served which can get costly if someone decides to order a pricier wine or beer.
6. Have fun with cocktails. Incorporate a few “fun” signature drinks like candy cane martinis, frostinis, pomegranate poinsettias, spiked eggnog, and — my favorite — the Scrooge-driver.
Themed “virgin” cocktails will also be much appreciated by the non-drinkers at the party.
7. Set a rain (or snow) date. Let’s face it. We live in Connecticut. Blizzards happen in October here. Need I say more?
8. Eliminate pre-holiday “stress” from your party. December is one of the most stressful, busiest times of the year. Between shopping, card sending, gift wrapping, and coordinating their own holiday plans, the office holiday party might just be one more thing your employees feel obligated to fit into their already tight December schedules.
Consider holding off your party until January when everyone can relax and appreciate the party a little bit more.
Source – Hartford Business, MARY-BETH CORRACCIO
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