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Over the course of the last few years we have recognized a new season here at Whitney Peak Hotel: Holiday Party Season. It’s a busy time of year that brings along nostalgia, excitement for the New Year, and appreciation for those around us. As we continue to host a great deal of parties year after year, we like to think of ourselves as dare we say…. experts in this category. So here we are, sharing “The top 5 tips for hosting an office holiday party your employees will LOVE”!
1. Host Your Party Outside of the Office
Unless you are living out a scene of Office Christmas Party, your employees DON’T want to attend an office holiday party at their OFFICE.
No, this is not common for everyone. Yes this is an unbiased opinion.
I’m not sure who needs to hear this, but let’s just get one thing straight - Unless you are living out a scene of Office Christmas Party, your employees DON’T want to attend an office holiday party at their OFFICE. If you have the time and the means to give your employees an excuse to turn on their out-of-office emails, by all means do so. Not only will this build camaraderie within the staff, but the parties’ atmosphere will feel a little less work and a lot more play.
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2. Celebratory Food & Drinks
let’s give the people something to talk about!
No matter what, when or where, food and drink is a MUST. I don’t just mean ham and cheese wraps and Coors Light either. Nothing against Coors, but let’s give the people something to talk about!
The biggest takeaway is that seasonal interactive food stations prove to be a bigger hit than a traditional sit-down 1 or 2 option meal. When it comes to drinks…. go big or go home right?? Just kidding. We understand not every company will want to host an open bar for their guests, so consider the same interactive concept, but with drinks. Hot cocoa bars, seasonal mocktails, champagne toasts, spiked coffee and holiday punch bowls are all fun additions or alternatives to the crowd favorite beer & wine.
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3. PhotoBooth
Funny props + glittery backdrops + silly faces = good times.
Pic or it didn’t happen, right?? It’s time to face the fact that we’re all fully engulfed in an era of posed pictures with studio lighting and endless “laughs and good-times”. The line between reality and fantasy has officially been blurred through social platforms, but that’s okay because you know what’s come from it?? PHOTO BOOTHS!
If you have not experienced a photo booth yet, I can confidently say you’re missing out. Funny props + glittery backdrops + silly faces = good times. Enough said.
4. Music
But hey, a little Bieber never hurt no one...
Okay now listen carefully. While this might seem like the most obvious tip on the list, we can assure you it’s quite possibly the most important. I’m assuming we’ve all experienced just how easy it is to lighten a mood with music…. Well, it’s just as easy to kill it with music as well. Now I’m not here to tell you to play Buble, Beyonce or Bowie, but know your audience and be aware of their reactions.
But hey, a little Bieber never hurt no one... ;)
5. Theme
Great Gatsby, Ugly Sweater, Black & White, People of History, Moulin Rouge, Mardi Gras…
We’re about to explore a controversial subject here so buckle up and brace yourselves people. To have a themed party or not a themed party…that’s the question.
Often times a party centered around a specific theme can create a buzz prior to the event and help get attendees more involved with the party. However, let me forewarn you that not all reactions to a themed party will be positive. You might hear a few groans and complaints from those who feel that this just puts added work and stress on planners and attendees.
Once again, know your audience and make the best judgment call you can here. Personally, I love a good themed party. Great Gatsby, Ugly Sweater, Black & White, People of History, Moulin Rouge, Mardi Gras… the options are endless.
LET'S PARTY PLAN!
