The winter holidays are one of the most wonderful times of the year, whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or even just some well-deserved time off. It’s a time when co-workers can celebrate and spend time together outside of the office to get to know each other better. However, there’s a whole host of extra demands to create the best office holiday party. The subtler details of bringing a party together are easy to overlook but are crucial for a successful event.
In-person office parties are back, with conditions
Most people avoided virtual office parties, seeing them as awkward and anything but fun. Thankfully, in-person office parties are back this year for many companies, appealing to those who have been wanting to socialize for so long. But there are a few guidelines for hosts to follow to ensure that employees feel safe.
For example, limit guests to only those who have been double vaccinated. Also, strongly encourage those who attend to wear masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Another option is to have a hybrid holiday party. This concept refers to some people attending online and others in-person, depending on their preference. This option can help both groups do what they feel is most comfortable.
Planning tips: Get help
The best advice to avoid stress is to ask for help! While you might want to oversee every task yourself, that is the quickest way to get burnt out.
Asking your employees or co-workers to help can relieve some of your responsibilities and make the celebration a genuine joint effort. Or, consider hiring an event planner to oversee details and get great deals using their professional contacts.
To make it more special, make yummy food following holiday recipes. Ask employees to supply the recipes or even contribute with their own dishes. You might be surprised by the wonderful menu!
Or, perhaps you assign each person a different meal or side dish. Doing so can help you as the host avoid ending up with several different desserts and no side dishes.
Decorations for the best holiday office party
The decorations can make or break an event, personal or corporate. Of course, you don’t have to blow your budget on the fanciest tree or wreath, but some tasteful decor can set the mood nicely.
In particular, candles, string lights, or another type of soft lighting can help the venue feel cozy and festive. J make sure you don’t go overboard as there’s a fine line between tasteful and gauche!
Gift giving
Gifts are a traditional part of the holidays, but they are a great way to help show employees your appreciation of them. A party favor is a fantastic way to make your co-workers feel special, for example.
Places like 4allpromos.com can even provide customized items like stress balls so that guests can take home some personalized swag and keep de-stressed in the New Year! Take advantage of the holidays to make your employees feel valued and celebrated.
Other unique ideas for corporate gifts for employees are subscription boxes, gift cards, care packages, and chocolate gift baskets. Consider personalizing the gifts for each person on your team.
A few last pointers for the host
However, it’s still important to keep things professional. Office holiday parties have a reputation for getting out of hand, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on the atmosphere and mood of the party.
If things look like they’re getting too rowdy, it might be time to suggest heading home or to a local bar for those who wish to do so. You want the office party to be remembered fondly – not with embarrassment!
Finally, make sure you relax too. It’s all too tempting to get caught up in planning an event and trying to make sure that everyone is having a good time. However, it’s equally essential to remember that this is also your chance to unwind. Your employees will appreciate seeing a more laid-back side to you.