How to Throw an Office Christmas Party

If you are the one chosen to throw your office Christmas party, don't panic. Christmas parties should be fun and not full of stress. It's a time for everyone in your office to let loose, relax and spend some time getting to know each other. You can help them do that and then join them by following a few basic steps.

Things You'll Need

• To do list
• Decorations
• Food
• Location for the party
• Invitations
• Activities
• Alcohol
• Music
• Budget

Instructions

1. Get out your party planning notebook because you are going to need to stay organized in order to throw the best office Christmas party possible. On step number 1 write choose the location and date of your party. In order to accommodate the most employee's take a quick survey. Find out who is available when. You will not be able to please everyone, but if you get a date that most people can handle you have finished your first task. Also, make sure the location you choose is large enough to fit all of your guests.

2. Now you are ready to create your invitations. You can order them from a printer or make them on your computer. There are only two things you must remember when sending out the invitations. 1. Make sure they go out 1 month before the scheduled party and no later. 2. Make sure you specify how many guests your employee is allowed to bring with them. You don't want to run out of food. When that is taken care of cross it off your list.

3. The next few steps really depend on your office's budget. You must be able to buy or make some creative decorations (centerpieces for the table really set the mood for dinner). You don't need streamers draped all over the place. A few key pieces are all you need. You also want some type of music that is going to move your audience. Don't let the money fool you. Someone who works for less money is more likely to show up and not be a big hot shot. You want someone who will cater to your audience and play their style of music. Book your musical act or DJ as far in advance as you can. When you book your DJ and pick up your decorations you can cross them off your list.

4. Now for the food and drinks. Decide if you want buffet style or sit down dinner. This will probably depend on your budget. Make sure you have all different kind of food options. You will have some people who want meat and some who are vegetarians. Providing a good variety will ensure success. Now you must decide if you want alcohol at your party. Only get enough that your guests can drink without getting drunk. A few rowdy guests can ruin a party. When you have made those preparations you can cross them off your list.

5. Finally, you will need to include some fun and games. Plan for at least 3 activities for the night. One idea is to have some type of contest. Best Christmas Caroler, Best Christmas Costume, etc. Another idea would be a Christmas Scavenger hunt. May the winner could receive one paid day off or some reward office related. You could also do a Christmas gift activity where you hand out a wrapped present to each guest. Let the first person open theirs and then the second person gets to either steal the opened gift or keep the unopened gift in front of them. The order is designated by pulling a number out of a hat (or bag). Whatever you decide just make sure you have at least 3 activities to keep the party fun. When you are done planning your activities you can cross that off your list.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your guest RSVP so you know how much food to order and how many tables to set up.

• Have more food than alcohol. Guests will be able to hold their alcohol better if they have food in their stomach's.

• Be careful you don't go over your budget. If that happens you may end up not being able to have an office Christmas party the next year.