holiday party Archives - PlanAnEvent.org

Corporate Events Planning – The Modern Office Holiday Party

December 14, 2011 By Randy Markus Comments

Photo courtesy of DEKO kun on flickr

Whether you say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa or just good old Happy Holidays…`tis the season! It’s the season for giving and the season for celebrating. And for most us (most importantly) the season for partying! And even with the current economic climate, most companies still try to make sure that they offer up some sort of holiday celebration so their staff can enjoy and will know that, yes, they are appreciated.

Corporate Events Planning – Planning the Right Holiday Bash

Things are a little tougher so the blow out party days are generally on a bit of a hold right now. Most companies want to continue the tradition of celebrating the season (regardless of which holiday you celebrate) but may not be able to afford the big events of the past. There are a lot of ways of having a great holiday party, without declaring Chapter Eleven. It`s really just about deciding what is right for your company.

Corporate Events Planning – Different Types of Holiday Parties

The Big Blowout Bash – Although not as rare as the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat, the holiday Big Blowout Bash has become a little more rare over the last few years. But fear not! As times improve, so do sightings of the Big Blowout Bash. Whether it’s at a hotel, restaurant or some other fabulous venue, the Big Blowout Bash includes a succulent menu, loads of drinks and lots of gifts (sometimes as a raffle, sometimes as a door prize and sometimes everyone gets a gift). People leave the party, often a little inebriated, feeling like they’ve been to something special. The disadvantage to the Big Blowout Bash; costs are high and they are often lacking a personal touch.

The Holiday Luncheon – The Holiday Luncheon is a great, lower cost option than the Big Blowout Bash. There are advantages to both catering in or going out. When you cater it in the office you keep costs down, there is little (if any) alcohol consumption and you can supplement the meal with other items, both store bought or homemade. The out of the office luncheon also has its advantages. They are more cost effective than the Big Blowout Bash, no spouses attend (also keeping costs down) so there is more opportunity for employee bonding and everyone enjoys getting out of the office and the chance to really enjoy the day.

The Potluck – I love a good pot luck, especially if I’m working in a multicultural office. The food is always varied and extremely tasty! And it’s a fun chance to show off our various cooking skills and recipes to our colleagues. Some people feel like The Potluck is a cop out because the company doesn’t foot the bill, but a few raffles and door prizes for the staff can go a long way in changing those opinions.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a fancy party at the Four Seasons or a house party at the bosses place. The holiday party is a great way of showing your team that you care and it’s a fun way for staff to bond while celebrating the joy of the season.

Party Tip – The Holiday Office Party – What NOT to Do! (plananevent.org)
Party Planning Guide – Preparing for the Holidays (plananevent.org)
Party Tips – It’s Holiday Party Time! (plananevent.org)

Filed Under: Planning An Event Tagged With: corporate events planning, events planning, holiday celebration, Holiday Luncheon, holiday party, holidays, office holiday party, potluck

Party Tip – The Holiday Office Party – What NOT to Do!

December 13, 2011 By Randy Markus Comments

Photo courtesy of dichohecho on flickr

Time really does fly. That special time of year is here and “snap” the holiday season is upon us. The company holiday party is usually an annual occasion and is a great time to unwind and relax, socialize with colleagues and have a plain old good time. However, always important to bear in mind, though disguised as a party it remains a work situation. So never and I mean NEVER let your guard down.

While a workplace holiday party takes place when you are off the work time clock, whether the party is at the office or offsite, all the proper conduct, behavior and etiquette rules apply. There are lot of do’s and even more don’ts to consider when attending company holiday parties; what to drink, how much to devour, what to talk about, what to wear and never, ever, ever complain! Just to name a few.

The holiday office party is always planned with the best of intentions that everyone attending will have fun and an enjoyable time. So make your work holiday party a time you can look back on without cringing and enjoy this great reminder from our friends Daily Idea and Funny or Die.

How Not To Behave At Your Office Christmas Party – watch more funny videos

Party Tips – It’s Holiday Party Time! (plananevent.org)
Party Planning Guide – Preparing for the Holidays (plananevent.org)
Attention Party Planners-Beware of the Office Parties (plananevent.org)

Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: comedy video, company holiday party, daily idea, funny or die, holiday party, holiday season, Party tip, video

Party Tips – It’s Holiday Party Time!

November 19, 2011 By Randy Markus Comments

Photo courtesy of luca sartoni on flickr

Time really does fly by! Finally, my absolute favorite time of year has arrived! It’s doesn’t have anything to do with the gifts, the parties or even all the great food. Instead it has everything to do with peoples’ attitudes. Just about everywhere you go people are friendlier, happier and in the best of moods. And you know what that means; it’s the festive, holiday season!

With the arrival of the holiday season, it means it’s that time of year again, work holiday party time. And I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love to go to a party. Especially this time of year! Holiday parties at work can be so much fun. But be aware, office parties can easily look and feel just like a pal’s PARTY but don’t forget that a work holiday party, no matter where it’s held, is still connected to your place of business. And realistically, you will have to show your face at the office again… eventually.

There seems to be all sorts of rules for attending work holiday parties. Who knew!? Rules regarding what to wear, what to talk about (or more appropriately, what not to talk about), how much to eat and most importantly how much to drink or NOT drink. So the number one rule when attending a work holiday party is never EVER get drunk. In Australia, 72% of adults maintain their most embarrassing stories happen when they have had too much to drink. A good rule of thumb is, prior to arriving at the party, set some limits and boundaries. The truth is, you can enjoy and have fun without making a total fool of yourself. If you’re in the mood to drink, go ahead and do so at a friend’s celebration. Not at your work party.

Thanks to our friends at You Tube, they prove this point while making us uncomfortably giggle at the same time.

So indulge and join in the fun, but remember there’s a fine line, be aware and be sure to know when not to cross it!

Party Planning Guide – Preparing for the Holidays (plananevent.org)
Party Planning Tips – Terrific Turkey Day Tips! (plananevent.org)
3 Party Planning Tips That Allows You to Have Fun (plananevent.org)

Filed Under: Planning Parties Tagged With: holiday party, holiday season, office parties, party tips, work party

Special Event Planning – It’s that time of Year….Holiday Party Time

November 15, 2011 By Randy Markus Comments

Photo courtesy of Laughing Squid

When it comes to special event planning it is definitely that time of year. Well after the last hors d’oeuvre has been eaten and the final glass of champagne downed, hopefully the memory of a great party lingers. The ultimate goal when planning a work holiday celebration is a happy and satisfied guest!

One of our favorite parties of the year, the one we all look most forward to attending, is the work holiday gala. But for the one responsible for planning all those important details, it can be a pain in the…neck and is extremely stressful.

So YOU have been given the task of organizing the company holiday party. Let’s be frank, it can seem like a very intimidating undertaking if you’re not a hundred percent sure where to get started. But no worries, there’s lots of help to get you going.

Special Event Planning – What to Do, What to Do…

In addition to all of the other holiday planning and shopping on your to-do list, there are so many details to stay on top of. And numerous people, including the big boss, to ensure are happy and have a great time. Nope, no pressure at all!

Many a holiday parties have been planned with the greatest of intent. Sometimes, regardless of the hard work that went into the planning, mistakes can and will happen. In an effort to avoid what can become a costly mistake, let’s look at the don’ts of party planning. Think about the things that you know for sure will NOT be part of your holiday party planning. By thinking ahead, the don’ts will be at the top of your mind and will (hopefully) be avoidable.

So you’ve reviewed the don’ts…what next?

Special Event Planning – Knock, Knock. Who’s There? NEXT…

Next it’s time to think about all the dos. You know the what, when, who and where of it all to be sure that holiday party is not filled with bloopers but is purely a success.

There are so many things to consider; to theme or not to theme, date and location, what to serve, decorations, entertainment and games and the checklist goes on. The list should outline all the important factors of what to include all while keeping in mind the fun and joy of the guests.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when holiday party planning.

Budget – This is always the first thing to consider. Sometimes organizations can be unrealistic when budgeting for holiday get-togethers. So it is really important to know the firm budget before you ever put pen to paper. Your budget outcome will help you come up with an outline for the party. You may not have enough budget dollars for a sit down dinner and may decide to go with a stand-up reception instead. Or the beverage situation may have to be tweaked a time or two to fit your budget.

Company Traditions – It is imperative to keep in mind previous company holiday parties and to get staff input. Do a little research and talk with some long standing employees; you’ll be surprised at what you’ll learn. In turn, they will feel like part of the experience and you won’t ruffle any of those traditionalists’ feathers.

I suggest speaking with everyone, not just the long standing employees. Take a poll and survey them and you’ll find out what they want (what they really, really want). The planning process can be a great way to bring staff together and create solidarity and camaraderie. We will never, ever please everyone. But by including the staff, everyone will feel like they have contributed and this helps foster positive feelings all around.

Theme – ‘Tis the season for theme, theme, theme. It’s incredibly important that the theme you choose for your gala is suitable and appropriate. A theme that incorporates the feel and atmosphere of the affair. There are loads of party themes out there to choose from, but generally, a good rule follow is to stay away from any and all religious themes. There are so many different beliefs out there so your best bet is to avoid them all.

A theme will bring sparkle and brilliance to your soiree and can help to create a joyful party experience. Once you decide on the theme it can easily be carried over to the invitations, decor, food and beverages, entertainment and all the other party elements.