Being shouldered with the responsibility of organising your office Christmas party can often be a thankless task and you’re under huge pressure to ensure everyone enjoys their one big office day/night from the year. How you go about organising the food, refreshments and entertainment for any Christmas party will depend on the tastes of those coming and the organisational culture from the office, but there are some basic rules that you need to follow to make the party memorable for the right reasons and to cure it being remembered for the wrong reasons.
However,with a few key skills you can use this situation to your benefit. You have been given a golden opportunity to show your planning abilities, to focus on how well you can organize an event and to demonstrate your communication skills.
Organizing an office Christmas party
Set the Date
At your Christmas party you’ll want as many employees to appear as possible. Again, start early and spread the word. Send out a mass email with a few suggested dates and select the date that fits with the majority. You’ll should also ensure it’s a date that fits using the boss.
Work out the budget
It’s very important that when you start your planning the Christmas party, that you know exactly what the budget it. Make sure you speak to your boss to see how much continues to be set aside. It’s also worth finding out if the party will be taken care of in full by the business, or maybe employees are expected to put something for the party. If so it’s a good idea to tell your friends as soon as possible. Once you have your budget you’ll be able to work out a suitable venue, theme and menu for that evening. By finding this out first of all, there’s no worry that you will have everything booked simply to realise there isn’t the money to pay for it!
Leave plenty of time to prepare
It’s never too early to start thinking about planning the Office Christmas party – particularly if it’s your job to organise it! Even now in September, plenty of venues take bookings for Christmas proving that most people are already thinking ahead towards the big festive social occasion. By providing yourself plenty of time to research ideas, ask the venues questions regarding the parties, you lessen the stress you would feel should you be leaving it to the last second. You will be able to have more choice within the type of venue, food and theme you would like for your Christmas party as it is not as likely that places will be fully booked now, than in December!
Invitations
Once you’ve settled the date and organised the place you can begin to send out invitations. If you want to cut costs you can get away with delivering an email invitation to all employees if however family or plus ones are invited along then you’ll have to send out a hard copy. Ensure that your invitation includes an RSVP deadline and dietary requirement inquiries to avoid any hiccups. It’s additionally a good idea to send out an indication a day or so before the party.
The Menu
This part is comparatively easy if your venue is really a restaurant, if not hire a caterer to organize the menu and always make sure you know everyone’s dietary needs, ensuring all of us have something to eat. If you’re using a more formal sit down meal as opposed to a buffet or cocktail style event, it’s smart to have some kind of seating arrangement. Mix things up and get people to mingle with other people as well as making them feel comfortable with people in their own team.
Alcohol
Some company Christmas parties go entirely without alcohol nowadays, ensuring a happy and safe environment, if however you’re planning on serving alcohol you’ll have to plan in advance what you’ll be serving and just how you’ll be paying. Your budget will determine if you can open a free bar or cash only bar. It’s a good idea and a nice touch to provide taxi vouchers to those drinking to make sure everyone stays safe.
Giving gifts
It’s always a good idea to check with other people what kind of gift exchange they’d like and just what they expect from the Holiday party. The annual Christmas party isn’t time to give out anything too costly or lavish. Opt instead to have an organised Kris Kringle or even a group charity donation where everyone pitches in. Should you choose decide on a Kris Kringle type gift exchange, choose a budget and make sure everyone knows what it’s.
Easy Lifestyle Option 