Tips for Creating a Memorable Corporate Holiday Party

Planning a great holiday party is always a challenge, but the obstacles are even greater when planning a corporate party for the holiday season. When you plan a corporate holiday party, you need to consider not only the comfort of your guests but the reputation of your company as well. Whether you like it or not, planning a corporate holiday party means putting your company and its good name on the line, so you want to make sure that every little detail gets the attention it deserves.

From the food you serve at your holiday party to the kinds of decorations you choose, every detail is a reflection of the company. That is why it is important to plan ahead and think carefully about what you want the party to be. Above all, you want your guests to have a great time, so paying careful attention to the food and beverages you serve is an absolute must.

Bite-Sized Portions

A corporate holiday party should be the perfect opportunity to graze and try new things. Make it easier for your guests to get a little taste of everything by serving bite-sized portions of favorite holiday foods.

Instead of serving full-sized desserts, consider serving a number of small tortes, chocolate mousse cups and other popular desserts. Those smaller sizes give guests a chance to sample a few favorites without feeling stuffed by the end of the night.

Go Easy on the Holiday Spirits

When planning a corporate event it is a good idea to limit the amount of alcohol you serve. While you do want everyone to have a great time, allowing unfettered access to the bar can backfire in many unpleasant ways.

If you still want to include alcohol in the festivities, consider serving a signature drink. That gives your guest a treat while limiting the amount of alcohol everyone drinks. You can also limit the alcohol to a few varieties of beer and wine or impose a maximum on the number of drinks any one guest can enjoy.

Focus on Employee Appreciation

When you plan a corporate holiday party, it is a good idea to focus on the business side of things. One of the best ways to do that is to make the holiday party an awards presentation as well. The holiday season is the perfect time to let your employees know that you value their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Giving awards to individual employees and teams who have made a big impact throughout the year is the perfect way to reward those workers for their dedication. Many companies also like to present each worker with a small gift in recognition of their time with the company. Just be sure that the awards you choose are tasteful, high quality and suitable for display at the office.

Spice Things Up with Seasonal Fruits and Veggies

When planning the menu for your holiday party, be sure to focus on ingredients that will be freshest this time of year. During the winter months many fruits and vegetables are shipped long distances, and that can mean a loss of freshness and taste.

By focusing on locally grown fruits and vegetables you can avoid this problem and give your guests a delicious assortment of appetizers and desserts. Just check out your local organic supermarket or farmers market to see what is in season, then plan your menu around those fresh ingredients.

Use Lighting to Set the Mood

You can do a lot with creative lighting, from designing an attractive after dinner dance floor to highlighting the recipients of those corporate awards. If you are planning a corporate holiday party, be sure to work with the venue to design the right lighting scheme.

Many venues already offer a variety of lighting choices, making it easier for party planners to create the perfect look and feel. Using the existing facilities to their fullest can also mean fewer costs on your part, giving you more money to spend on food, drinks and corporate awards.

Planning a successful and enjoyable corporate holiday party can be difficult. There are many important details to think about, and many unique challenges to overcome. That is why it pays to start early and stay focused on the end result. Starting early means you will have plenty of time to find a great venue, plan a delicious menu and deal with all those important details.

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