Snow crunching under our boots, traditional Christmas carols, lights shining bright throughout the city…oh yes, Christmas is at our doorstep! And with the holidays come all the festivities, including the company holiday party. Planning is a must, but where to begin? To help you get started, we’ve outlined the 10 absolute musts to score a celebration that will please coworkers and the big boss.
1 – Pick a location that’s you!
Finding a reception hall that everyone will agree with isn’t easy. Instead, pick one that suits your corporate image and your party theme. Trying to pull off a tropical theme in an Italian restaurant won’t impress anyone. Montreal affords many hidden gems. With a little poking around, you’ll surely find them.
2 – Don’t skimp on decor and (especially) ambience
Yes, when it comes to your company holiday party, looks do matter. With a little help from furniture and other elements, you can build a gorgeous party setting that will captivate your guests as soon as they enter the room. The key is in the details – you’d be surprised at what a difference the right centrepiece or tablecloth can make. Just make sure to keep the ideas well within the parameters of your theme. Every party tells a story. Figure out yours and stick to it.
3 – Delicious counts
Menu selections shouldn’t be taken lightly. Whether your party is a cocktail dînatoire or a sit-down banquet, book a tasting ahead of time to make sure that your guests will love every bite.
4 – Raise the bar
Open bar or not, that is the question. While open bars were once the rule, drink tickets are gaining popularity among companies that want to show a gesture of corporate responsibility or cut costs, or both. Whatever your choice, the bar is sure to be the hub of the party, so have a sufficient number of professional staff to save your guests long lines. Make sure you’re well stocked, complete with specialty drinks and a decent wine selection. Throw in some free drinks as a final touch and you’re all set.
5 – Play music that hits all the right notes
So, your IT Director is an amateur DJ who has volunteered his skills for the office party? Refuse with gusto – please! The importance of a good DJ or band cannot be overstated. Only an experienced one will inherently know which songs will get your group on the dance floor. Before hiring your DJ, ask for a demo, or at least for some references. As for bands, there is no shortage of groups eager to land a gig, but talent can vary tremendously. Make sure you’ve seen (and heard!) your band perform at least on YouTube before signing on the dotted line.
6 – Make room for everyone
A good party is all about inclusiveness, so don’t forget to accommodate all of your guests. While dance floors are office party favourites, not everyone is dying to strut their latest moves. The solution? Create alternate spaces such as lounge areas with comfortable seating so that your quieter guests can relax and chat while the extroverted ones dance the night away.
7 – Incorporate special activities for mingling
Sure, a company party should be enjoyed by everyone but how do you get the janitor and a VP to schmooze? A photobooth is a fantastic way to nurture relationships. Put yours in a visible spot, and make it a part of your overall theme. For something extra special, consider our photobooth that combines technology and the social for a unique experience that all your employees will remember. Find out more at this address : photobooth@happening.ca
8 – Keep the speeches short for more conversation
Still having nightmares about your president’s neverending speech from the last cocktail? As the organizer of your company holiday party, make sure that whoever has a speaking role is prepared – with something brief! If you can, take a look at the scripts in question, and don’t be afraid to ask that they be shortened, if need be. Your guests will be thankful
9 – Get home safely
Since alcohol figures prominently at many corporate holiday parties, make sure you do what you can to ensure that your guests have a safe way home. Fortunately, you have several options to help you. For example, you can rent a breath test, arrange rides with Opération Nez Rouge, distribute taxi coupons, book some hotel rooms, and organize shuttles, to name just a few. In short, make sure everyone gets home safe and sound.
10 – Surprise your guests
Gifts, off-the-wall games, a jaw-dropping artistic performance…whatever your choice, surprise is always a holiday party hit.
There you go! You now have what it takes to organize an unforgettable company holiday party. The team at HAPPENING.CA wishes you luck – and a wonderful holiday season!
