Holidays are a special time of year. They’re also an opportunity for businesses to celebrate with their employees by throwing an annual holiday party. Many factors need to be taken into consideration when planning this kind of event. These factors are:
1. The Location
The location of the holiday party is probably one of the most important things to consider when planning a holiday event. As with any other celebration, it needs to be held in an appropriate place to accommodate both employees and guests.
If you’re holding the event at your office, then make sure there’s enough room for everyone. Additionally, it should be accessible to the employees who might not have a car or access to other transportation methods.
The location must also be safe and secure. It would be an added plus if you considered a locale with unique scenery like the Napa Valley Winery. Such a place provides an itinerary of activities that all employees can enjoy.
2. The Food
Food is probably the most important thing to consider when planning a holiday party. It sets the tone for how employees will feel at your event and acts as their fuel throughout the night. There are many options available in terms of catering, so it’s up to you which one best suits what kind of vibe you want to create during your holiday event.
If you are looking for something not too formal, then opting for a catered buffet could be the best choice. However, if you’re trying to create an upscale or luxurious environment, it would be advisable to go with plated meals instead of buffets. Either way, make sure the food at your holiday party does not disappoint.
When catering for a holiday event, it’s essential to consider the dietary restrictions of employees who may have allergies or other food sensitivities. Since you’re hosting an entire party for them, make sure they can enjoy all the activities and festivities without worrying about their health.
3. The Theme and Decoration
The next thing to consider when planning a holiday party is the theme and decoration. The primary purpose of decorating your venue for this kind of event is to provide an aura that fits the celebration’s spirit. Therefore, it should be decorated in such a way that exudes cheerfulness and fun.
A great example could be using colors like red, green, and gold. Such a combination of colors emits good vibes that remind employees about the holiday season. Furthermore, you could add an ornament centerpiece to your dining tables or use balloon bouquets as centerpieces for each table.
4. Event Dates
When planning a holiday party, it’s important to consider the date you are hosting it. Some companies prefer to have one day where everyone can attend to avoid having to worry about conflicting schedules with customers or clients.
5. Activities
You also might want to consider having some fun activities available at the event, such as photo booths with props, live music, or games that employees can enjoy. Mixing these activities with the food and decor creates a memorable experience for everyone who attends your holiday party.
An example of something you could do in advance is set up an online survey where employees can submit their preferred activities for your party. This allows them to truly feel like they are part of the planning process and enhances their overall experience at your event.
6. Drinks
It would be best if you also considered the drinks that will be available at your holiday party. You can either serve alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages. It’s up to you which one you want to include in the menu.
However, if you’re serving alcoholic drinks, ensure they are not too strong because employees might get rowdy and unruly after too many drinks. Also, you might not want to offer alcohol if some people are underage. Furthermore, it’s best to avoid serving hard liquor because employees could get tipsy rather quickly and act irresponsibly as a result.
In summary, there are many factors to consider when planning a holiday party for employees. These include the catering options, theme and decoration, activities available during the event, drinks served at your celebration, and date of hosting it. Mixing these elements creates an unforgettable experience that will truly make this party stand out from others in your company’s history.