How to Plan the Company Christmas Party

Company Christmas parties are events that most of us love to hate. Depictions of these gatherings can be seen in episodes of popular television shows and at the movie theater. Ranging from black-tie affairs to potluck feasts, company Christmas parties attempt to unite coworkers in the spirit of the holidays. Planning one of these parties involves appealing to the masses while keeping an element of surprise.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Acknowledge the party budget. Review the budget as soon as possible to establish your spending limits. Note any necessities the budget may require such as small gifts for party guests. Let management know that you have reviewed the budget and will begin working on the party details. Schedule follow-up meetings to discuss progress and make budget requests.

2. Listen to the advice of management and coworkers. Inform your coworkers that plans for the company Christmas party are under way. Consider creating a party planning committee to receive the maximum amount of coworker participation. Encourage your fellow employees to think of creative ways to celebrate. Provide a suggestion box so that everyone’s opinion can be heard.

3. Decide the overall level of formality of the Christmas party. Take the budget and the company’s corporate atmosphere into consideration. The goal is to make the party guests feel comfortable while keeping company traditions intact. Don’t assume that the workplace atmosphere is desired at the company Christmas party. Some corporate offices opt for less formal Christmas parties to give everyone a chance to relax. Some industrial workplaces opt for formal Christmas parties to give everyone a chance to dress their best. Consider setting up a dedicated space to handle the children of party guests.

4. Choose an appropriate party theme. Select a theme that encompasses the desired mood of the occasion. Popular company Christmas party themes include “Winter Wonderland” and “12 Days of Christmas.” Opt for themes that aren’t overly religious to accommodate coworkers with varying beliefs. Base your menu and party décor on the chosen theme to create a festive atmosphere. Avoid choosing recently used themes to invite freshness into the party experience.

5. Shop for decorations and party accessories. Keep your budget in mind as you choose suitable party items. Ask coworkers to donate decorations and supplies to help stay within your budget. Shop at discount stores to further maximize your savings. Ask for discounts for bulk or early ordering. Get catering estimates from popular restaurants. Choose a menu that is affordable and will appeal to many tastes. Provide accommodations for those with special dietary needs like vegetarians or diabetics. Finger foods like sandwiches are a popular menu choice because of the ease at which they can be eaten.

6. Pick a suitable date and location. Call suitable locations for policies regarding rental costs and services. Start early for the best selection and prices. There may be heavy competition from other companies hosting their Christmas parties. Pick a date that doesn’t interfere with important work deadlines or management reviews. Scheduling the Christmas party after work hours is the best way to get the most employee involvement. Finalize the party details and plan before announcing them to the company staff members.

Tips & Warnings

• Hire an outside agency to handle phone calls and related business if the party is held during working hours.
• Play classic office party games like “white elephant” to keep the crowd entertained.
• Never wait until December to start planning the party. You may miss out on discounts and stock availability.

Resources

• Find useful supplies at Party City.
• Sift through fun party theme ideas.