Plan a Company Holiday Party Your Employees Want to Attend

As October comes to an end, it’s time to start thinking about holiday parties. Many employees have a love/hate relationship with their holiday party. Most people love the idea of a holiday party but hate how it is executed. In this blog, we will discuss some helpful tips and tricks for planning a memorable holiday party that your entire company will enjoy.

Why should we host a company holiday party?

Companies often hesitate to have a holiday party due to the mixed reaction from employees. However, there are many benefits to hosting a holiday party. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate achievements from the previous year, perhaps with company awards or client appreciation events. It is also a great opportunity to demonstrate to employees that you value their happiness and dedication to the company. By boosting morale, you can end the work year on a fun and festive note before employees return for a fresh start in the New Year. Holiday parties provide a fun and casual format for employees to get to know one another. Overall, a company party provides a personal touch to your corporate environment, allowing you to connect with your colleagues and employees and celebrate everything that you’ve accomplished in the past year. 

Top 5 corporate holiday party ideas

1. Pick a theme

An easy way to turn your regular office holiday party into a memorable affair is to choose a fun and festive theme. Whether you are having a simple cocktail hour with catering or an evening dance party, a theme can help generate excitement and engage your entire corporate team. Popular themes include winter wonderland, a tropical getaway or your favourite holiday film! 

2. Break the ice with festive activities

Party games are a welcome addition to any get together, letting your employees get to know each other in a fun and memorable way. Why not try some holiday-themed charades, holiday movie trivia or a gingerbread house building competition?

3. Give back to the community

The holiday season is a great time to give back to your community through charitable work. A simple and effective way to give back is to ask employees to bring in non-perishable food items as part of a food drive. You can also build teamwork in a more personal way by lending a hand at a soup kitchen or shelter. 

4. Bring in some entertainment

Hiring entertainment can be a fun addition to any holiday party. Traditional entertainment options such as a band or performer are always popular; however, you can easily shake things up by hiring a celebrity impersonator, magician or acrobatic show.  

5. Have a group outing

A great option to build team morale and encourage employees to get to know one another is to take an afternoon off for a fun group activity. Popular options include trying something active such as ice skating, bowling or hiking, bonding as a team through laser tag or an escape room, attending a comedy or musical show or cheering on your favourite team at a hockey game. 

Corporate holiday party checklist

Pick the date

The first step is to pick a date and book a venue. Make sure that you poll your employees and colleagues to determine the date that fits best with most people. This will also fluctuate depending on if you are holding your event during the workday or on an evening or weekend. 

Choose a party theme and entertainment

A theme can help you organize the food, entertainment and décor at your holiday party. Try something unconventional to help boost attendance and excitement amongst your employees and colleagues.  

Explore your culinary options

It can be difficult to please everyone when it comes to catering options. There is often a delicate balance between providing delicious and memorable catering, while also meeting all dietary restrictions. Shop around to explore the options available to your team. 

Create custom cocktails

Why not celebrate the year with a custom cocktail that reflects your business personality? Offering a mocktail version of the drink can also ensure that all employees can equally enjoy the tasty treat during cheers and speeches. 

Plan your rentals

Depending on your theme and venue, you may choose to rent décor, props, photo booths or lighting. 

Add some sweet treats

Finally, finish your holiday party on a sweet note with a fun and memorable treat. Perhaps you want to curate a dessert table or make-your-own hot chocolate station? 

This holiday season plan an office party to remember with the help of Smokin’ Bones. We provide a wide variety of delicious catering options to suit any dietary need and event type. Whether you are looking for a casual afternoon BBQ or an elaborate feast for your evening event, Smokin’ Bones is here to help! Contact our team at 647-996-1575 to get started today.