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Planning Last-Minute Holiday Parties for Your Business
Christmas is almost here, and if you are reading this, you’ve likely waited until the last minute to play your office holiday party. Don’t worry. There’s still time to plan your party, and even make it memorable. To get it done, you’ll have to make quick decisions, starting with booking your location.
Once December hits, most “free,” non-restaurant locations are claimed. Plus, you don’t have time to buy and cook food. You’ll have to get help. Many restaurants offer banquet rooms, or even large parties. Since openings are limited, consider the following options, and then book now.
- Number of people
- Cost per person
- Menu Variety
- Desserts
- Setting (loud/quiet, crowded/secluded).
- Space – do you need extra room for coats, gifts, awards
- Location: A central region – usually near your office
Now, go ahead and make a call and reserve a spot.
Once the restaurant is booked for your office party, the pressure is off. You now have time to plan the night. Here are some tips:
Allow Free Time
This is not the time for a work-pep talk, even if it’s to give praise to your employees and workmates. Your business group is here to enjoy themselves, and leave work at home. Don’t worry about a slideshow, presentation, or hand-out. Don’t be so formal and relieve yourself now of the stress of a prepared message.
Give Little Gifts
A small gift would be appreciated by your team. Consider gift cards inside a Christmas card. If you have time, personalize it a bit by getting gift cards at 3 or more restaurants or stores. Show your people that you know they’re into sports, art or dining out!
Get Sentimental
Work aside, it’s still valuable to thank your group for coming and let them know you appreciate what they do. You spend each day with this team all year long, and it can be a memorable, sentimental night if you let your team know how you feel. Like George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” stepping back to see your life from afar – even if it’s your work life – can be refreshing.