Photo by JPG Photography
So, you’ve been entrusted with planning the office holiday party.
Congrats! This means that you have earned a reputation as someone who is organized, a team player, and considerate of others’ goals, wants and needs. And most of all, you’re someone who knows how to have a good time.
Being the charismatic superstar you are, you have probably been asked to plan many parties in the past. For example, your favorite nephew’s birthday bash. Or your bestie’s bachelorette party. Or your brother’s ex’s gender reveal party, outside, in brutal heat. You know the challenges of party planning. To start, you have to pick a venue that is accessible and appropriate for everyone, stick to a budget for the party, and manage food and drinks.
But you also know what to expect from your loved ones. You know what they love and how to plan for them. Besides, the true purpose of these events is only to spend time together.
However, planning a holiday party for the office presents different challenges. When you mix work and play, no one is sure how to act. People act differently around their peers, supervisors, and subordinates. While the holiday office party should be a reward for the whole office, it’s also a networking event where everyone is striving to make a good impression.
Whether it’s your first time planning a party or the 100th, planning a party for the office is a challenge in itself. Here are 5 tips for planning a successful holiday party that doesn’t feel like work.
1. Go big on entertainment.
Pick a unique venue like a casino or an art museum. Hire a DJ, musicians, and provide games. Make it grand. Put on the Ritz. This is the best way to make a good impression and reward your team.
2. Provide lots of food.
I can not emphasize this enough.
3. Manage alcohol consumption.
I also can not emphasize this enough. Make it clear beforehand whether or not it’s a sober event.
4. Be inclusive.
Include family in the invitations. Decide on a menu that has options for every diet. There are many holidays in the fall and winter so be mindful not to overlap with other celebrations. Pick a venue close to where you work.
To get you started, here are a few Philadelphia-area venues within reach of Center City.
Click the images to learn more.
Spring Ford Country Club
Photo by Paul @rulegbr
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art
With preferred vendor Constellation Culinary Group.
Photo provided by Constellation Culinary Group
Rivers Casino
Photo provided by Rivers Casino
City Winery
Photo by City Winery Philadelphia @citywineryphil
5. And finally, plan for YOUR office.
There is a reason that it is you planning this office party, whether you were asked to or volunteered. Use what you know and rely on your team when you’re unsure. You’ve got this, superstar.
See more venues for corporate events on PartySpace.
