Company Holiday Party Ideas

Christmas is just around the corner, and it's not too early to start thinking about holding a company holiday party. If you are in charge of making arrangements, now is the time to make your plans. Holiday company parties are a great way to show your appreciation for those who work for you.

With the economy in a slump, many venues such as hotels, restaurants and halls, are eager to accommodate your party plans with reduced rates or by throwing in extras. Competition is heating up, with each establishment vying for your holiday party business.

In the past, when we gave a holiday party outside of the office, we typically chose hotels. This is because we wanted an option for drinking employees to spend the night. We also have a great many people come in from out of town, and a hotel room after a long night is welcome by all. Many hotels will offer a special discounted rate for your attendees, and depending on how much the total bill is estimated, may also comp the party giver with free lodging if a certain amount of people makes reservations.

When choosing a hotel, make sure you get several quotes regarding the type of menu, the cost for beverages, the type and size of room, and how much time you will have. If you are not familiar with the property, take some time to visit to make certain that the facilities are right for your group.

Once you have nailed down your venue and have your menu and incidentals planned, you can start thinking about entertainment. Many employees will not be content to sit through a ho-hum dinner and mingle with people that they either don't know at all or know too well. Here the proper entertainment in between the food and goodbyes is essential for your guests to have an enjoyable time.

In addition to DJs providing music for background and dancing, which is an affordable and easy solution, there are other performers you can tap for entertainment for your holiday party. These include magicians, musicians and comedians. Local entertainment booking agencies and musicians' unions are a great place to find a myriad of acts.

For those who wish to have their employees provide the entertainment, consider a karaoke Christmas party. (This one is my personal favorite.) There are many DJs who specialize in karaoke, and will fill any void by singing themselves. In order to encourage employee participation, offer prizes. In the past, we offered a prize for the worst singer of the night, as well as the best singer. In many cases, the entire company was amazed at the range (or lack of) of some of their fellow employees.

Of course, it is a good idea to offer awards during the party. These can be serious, or you can throw in a few gag awards, depending on the sense of humor of your participants.

As for themes, in addition to the holidays, you can opt to do something out of the ordinary. Consider an ethnically themed party, for example Mexican or Italian. Serve food and decorate your hall accordingly.

Another type of party to consider would be one where your guests bring canned goods for the local food bank, or donate other items for other charities. This type of party spreads the holiday cheer to those who may be less fortunate.

Even small workplace gatherings can be spruced up with small touches. Make small, personalized baskets for each employee instead of buying them ready made. Bring your holiday theme into the workplace with decorations and food choices.

No matter what your budget, all it takes is a little forethought to come up with unique company holiday party ideas.