The holidays are a time to come together and celebrate. What better way to show your employees how much you appreciate their hard work throughout the year than by throwing a holiday party they won’t soon forget? 

Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure that your office Christmas party is one for the books!

8 STEPS FOR HOW TO PLAN AN OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY 

1. Determine Your Budget

The first step in planning an office Christmas party is to establish a budget. How much can you realistically afford to spend on this event? 

Once you have an estimate, you can start planning what type of food, drink, and entertainment you will be able to provide for your guests. Remember, it’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to budgeting for a corporate event. No one wants their boss to be left with a huge bill at the night’s end!

2. Send Out Save-The-Dates Early

Once you have your budget nailed down, it’s time to start thinking about logistics. When is the best date for your company Christmas party? 

Keep in mind that many people have family commitments during this time of year, so it’s important to send out save-the-dates well in advance. This will give your employees plenty of time to clear their schedules so they can attend the event. 

3. Choose A Venue That Fits Your Theme 

Now it’s time to start thinking about how you want your party to look and feel. What type of atmosphere are you going for? Do you want something traditional or modern? Intimate or extravagant? 

The venue you choose should reflect the overall theme of your event. If you’re unsure where to begin, consider sending out a survey to get ideas from your team.

4. Make Sure To Have The Party Away From The Office. 

If the party is held in the office, it can often feel like just another work event. To really make your employees feel appreciated and to ensure that everyone has a good time, it’s essential to hold the party at a different location. A nearby restaurant, corporate Christmas party venue, or hotel banquet room are all great options. 

An off-site venue will give your employees a chance to dress up and enjoy themselves without worrying about work the next day. And because the party will be held away from the office, you’ll have more space to decorate and accommodate everyone.

So if you want to make sure your company Christmas party is a hit, hold it at a different location. Your employees will appreciate it.

5. Hire A Professional Caterer 

One of the most important aspects to remember when throwing a Christmas party for employees is the food! After all, no one wants to attend an event only to be greeted with dry chicken and limp vegetables. 

Hiring a professional caterer will ensure that your guests are well-fed and happy. Not sure what type of menu will please everyone? Consider doing a buffet-style meal with something for everyone to enjoy at your Christmas staff party.

6. Plan Some Family-Friendly Activities 

Not everyone enjoys being around large crowds during the holidays. If you have employees who prefer not to mingle at your office Christmas party, consider planning activities they can do with their families instead. 

This could include anything from ice skating or sledding to visiting Santa at the mall. Whatever you decide, make sure it’s something that everyone will enjoy! 

7. Don’t Forget About The Details

From decorating the venue to sending out invitations, there are a lot of little details that go into planning a successful event. Make sure you take care of all the small stuff well in advance, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Trust us; your employees will appreciate it! 

8. Have fun! 

At the end of the day, remember that this is supposed to be a fun event for everyone involved! So relax, let loose, and enjoy yourself along with everyone else. 

3 THINGS TO AVOID WHEN PLANNING A COMPANY CHRISTMAS PARTY

Company Christmas parties can be a great way to boost morale and show appreciation for employees. However, there are a few things to avoid if you want the party to be a success. 

1. First, resist the temptation to make the party mandatory. While it may be difficult to get everyone to attend, forcing people to participate can lead to resentment.
   
2. Second, be mindful of the budget. Employees will be acutely aware of how much money is being spent on the party, and showing overindulgence will only create an atmosphere of greed and entitlement.
   
3. Finally, avoid alienating any employees who don’t celebrate Christmas. While the party may be focused on the holiday, not everyone celebrates it, and excluding them will only make them feel underappreciated and left out. 

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your company Christmas party is successful.

Planning a corporate holiday party can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Following these simple steps, you can throw an event that your employees will be talking about long after the New Year. 

From choosing the right venue to providing delicious food and entertainment, there are plenty of ways to make your office Christmas party one for the books. So get started today and see how easy it can be!

And for help with New England event rentals, give us a call at Sperry Tents Seacoast!