Corporate Holiday Party Planning 101

Chelsea Pellegrino

Contributor

Can you believe it’s that time of year already!? That’s right – it’s time to start planning your corporate holiday celebrations. While there are many things to consider when corporate party planning, you don’t need to panic – GigMasters is here to help you get started. From venue to menu, we’ve covered all the points you’ll need to tackle for hosting the best holiday bash ever!

Determine the Date

The first point to cover is setting a date for your event. Is this a specific celebration, i.e. Christmas party, or a party to celebrate all winter holidays? If so, remember that Hanukkah ends December 5, Christmas is the 25th, and Kwanzaa begins on the 26th. Plan the event in between these dates (but be sure not to host it  on any of these days!) You’ll want to do this as far in advance as possible, so employees can keep their schedules cleared.

Holiday parties pop-up fast, so this will ensure yours is penciled in first! Timing is also something to consider. Hosting a holiday party during the day is an option often overlooked. A few hours set aside around lunchtime is a great way to ensure all employees can attend. However, keep in mind that it will definitely create a different vibe than a party held after hours.

Select A Space

Next on the checklist is choosing a venue. If space permits, your workplace can be a cost-friendly choice! But if you don’t want to chance Bob from Finance spilling eggnog on a company computer, it might be smart to pick another location. Depending on what works with your company culture, it can be anywhere from a co-workers home to a local bar. If there will be a large amount of employees in attendance, you may even want to consider a large conference room or ballroom. Hotels and corporate parks are a good place to start your hunt.

Menu Making

Once the venue is locked in, it’s time to think food. There are many menu options available when it comes to a holiday party. Appetizers and cocktails are a great choice if the event is only a couple hours. If it’s any longer than that, you’ll definitely want to serve dinner (but as long as it’s cool with management, the drinks can remain on the menu).

Another option is sweets and coffee. No matter the verdict, you’ll want to let your guests know so they can plan accordingly. If the office is large, we recommend catering the event. If the guest list is more manageable, or you’re working with a tight budget, consider asking everyone to make and bring a dish. A final note of importance – make sure the menu is respectful of dietary restrictions (i.e. if you have guests celebrating Hanukkah, make sure there are Kosher options!)

Entertainment is a Must!

There’s no better way to encourage employees to let their hair down than to throw some entertainment into the mix! GigMasters has a ton of great options to choose from when it comes to adding a little life to the party. Some of the most popular corporate choices include karaokecover bandscomedians, and of course, Santa! You could also choose your party line-up based on the results of an office poll – it’s a sure way stir some excitement about your holiday bash! Whichever you choose, be sure to book them A.S.A.P as most vendors have very busy holiday seasons.

See, not so bad! Date + venue + menu + entertainment = a successful corporate holiday party. As always, we’re here to help you make sure your event is perfect by adding the best vendors around. You can also find party ideas from The Bash.

If you need any assistance, give our cheerful Account Specialists a call at 1-866-342-9794, or email us at info@gigmasters.com. Happy holiday planning!