The holiday season is just around the corner, and now is the time to start planning that all-important office Christmas party. Office parties are a great way to bond with your colleagues while enjoying tasty food, great music and general merriment. And while gatherings were entirely off the cards during 2020 thanks to the pandemic, they’re back in full swing this year.
Christmas dos are always great fun, but they require a large amount of planning to get all the details right. Read on to discover our ten easy steps to make your 2021 office Christmas party one to remember.
If you’re in charge of planning your office Christmas party this year, here are a few steps to consider.
The most important aspect of planning a Christmas party is leaving yourself enough time to cover all the details. There are many things to think about, including food, venue, theme, and dress code. Grab a notepad and write down everything you need to plan in order of importance. That way, you’ll have a clear idea of the steps you need to take to get your office party underway.
Reach out to other colleagues at work who would consider helping you out with planning. Recruiting detail-oriented employees to lend a hand means that some of the stress is taken away. Plus, you’re much less likely to miss out important details with a team of party planners. Get together and discuss potential party ideas to get a sense of everyone’s likes and dislikes.
Before you get down to planning the party venue, it’s essential to think about how much money you’re able to spend. Start by finding out the exact budget for the party. Then, create a spreadsheet that details the estimated costs of the venue, the food and drink, the entertainment, and the decorations.
Make sure to allocate the budget depending on what is most important to the company’s culture. It’s also a good idea to leave yourself a bit of wiggle room in case of last-minute changes to plans.
Selecting a date for the Christmas party can be one of the most stressful parts of the process. It’s a good idea to create a poll with a few date options so that people can decide on a day that works for them. Consider whether there will be capacity for employees to bring along plus ones, and make sure to send out invitations well in advance once a date has been confirmed.
Next comes deciding on a location and a venue. The office party doesn’t necessarily have to be held at the office. If you have the funds, you could hire out an elegant bar, a restaurant or a club. However, cheaper alternatives might include a comedy club or a bowling alley. Jot down a list of the venues that most appeal to you, and contact the managers with a clear description of your party size and plans. Book your chosen venue in good time.
While this step isn’t strictly necessary, choosing a unique theme for your office party can make the event all the more exciting. Some fun theme ideas include Winter Wonderland, Masquerade Ball and Santa’s Workshop. Once you’ve decided on a theme, note down a list of the decorations you’ll need to bring your idea to life.
The dress code options for your party depend on the theme, the venue and the activities you’re planning. For example, if party games are on the cards, the dress code might involve comfortable clothing and trainers. If the party is held at a lavish venue, a black-tie dress code may be compulsory. Notify employees about the dress code in good time so that everyone has the chance to plan a suitable outfit.
No office Christmas party is truly complete without a fabulous selection of food and drinks. Hiring an external caterer is a good option, while many venues offer less expensive in-house catering. Choosing what kind of food to serve depends on the allocated budget. Options could include a three-course meal, a buffet, or a range of finger food. Make sure to be notified of any dietary requirements before planning the party food.
Festive party games and activities are a great way to bring people together for some friendly competition. Choose entertainment that complements your theme, such as charades and Christmas trivia. Make sure to take care of music too, which could include setting up a karaoke area or hiring a DJ.
As the organiser, it’s crucial to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. Get to the venue well before the party starts and introduce yourself to guests as they arrive. Make sure to leave a bit of time during the party for a heartfelt thank you speech to show your gratitude to everyone for attending.
Planning a Christmas city break? Our Leonardo hotels offer the ideal space to relax and unwind during the festive period. Not only this, but many of our hotels also feature spacious function rooms – perfect for showstopping Christmas parties. Explore our Christmas Brochures to find out more about what we offer at this magical time of year. You can also enquire now to hire out a function room for your 2021 office party.
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