How to Plan a Holiday Party for the Office
by Jeff Winkler, November 1st, 2008

Need help with Holiday Office Party Planning and Entertaining?

In large corporations the annual holiday get-together just happens, as if by magic. Pros - or the boss's assistant - handle all the details and all the employees have to do is show up. In smaller companies and the nonprofit sector it's a different story.

Step1 Find out if your co-workers want to honor the year-end holidays. If your group is small enough, gather everyone around the conference table and discuss it; otherwise, distribute a survey. Don't expect many unanimous decisions, just strive to please the majority.

Step2 Encourage everyone to be blunt about everything from how they feel about holiday celebrations in the first place to what time of day would suit them best. An evening or weekend bash that singles might love could be a logistical nightmare for single parents or working couples.

Step3 Decide how you'll finance the festivities. Be sensitive to varying income levels within the company, as well as to all the other expenses people have at holiday time.

Step4 Ask everyone whether they'd prefer an employees-only gathering or one that includes spouses and significant others. Expect a mixed response. To some people a couples' party is a delightful evening out with their romantic partner; to others it's just one more time they have to find (and pay) a baby sitter; to still others it's a time they feel compelled to produce a date whether they want to or not.

Step5 Be prepared to throw tradition to the wind. For instance, if you've always had an event at a restaurant, have a catered lunch or after-work party instead. You'll all be able to chat more freely than you could at a restaurant table.

Step6 Plan some games and activities. By the time the office party rolls around, the holiday social scene has grown a bit stale for some folks. If your work group numbers only a dozen or so, consider playing a murder mystery game.

“Important Tips"

Many people find themselves so busy at year-end holiday time the last thing they want is another party. If that's the case in your office, consider switching your gathering to another time of year. You can celebrate just as well in July as you can in December, and you'll be guaranteed no one will have to drive home on icy roads.

Remember: In "office party" the emphasis belongs on the first word. By all means enjoy yourself, but don't do anything you wouldn't want to see on the front page of the company newsletter.

Keep an eye on alcohol consumption, especially if people will be driving home from the party. Offer soft drinks along with the liquor; serve foods high in protein and carbohydrates, which slow the absorption of alcohol; and close the bar before the party ends.

Christmas Party Games Tips & Ideas

When planning your Christmas Office Party games, make sure to keep in mind the following questions:

What is your goal in playing games at the party? Icebreaker? Entertainment? Awarding of Prizes?

What is the personality and age mix of those attending the party?

What is the 'feel' of the party? Casual? Dressy? The 'atmosphere' desired will dictate the type of
games to be played.

What is the size of the party? Certain games are more successful depending on the number in attendance.

What is the size and layout of the party location? Some party games work better depending on the venue.

Christmas Office Party Game Tip #2
Remember to make sure everyone is included in the games and see how the party livens up.

Christmas Office Party Game Tip #3
Christmas Office Party Games don't have to be complex to be fun, in fact, the simpler the game, the better most guests seem to like them, and the less work they are for you!