Richmond News has announced that office parties during the festive season are now making a comeback, after the last few years of economic troubles. Whilst this is considered to be good news by most professionals, employers can be left feeling a bit overwhelmed by the organisational aspects of a Christmas party. Here are a few tips to ensure that this year’s party goes as smoothly as possible.
The venue is the first thing that must be organised. If the office space is limited, then consider hiring a hotel meeting or function room, which will offer plenty of space. Make sure that the room is large enough to accommodate all of the staff as well as their spouses.
The food for the event is the next consideration. It’s best to offer a variety of food, particularly when there will be a large amount of people attending, as everyone has preferences when it comes to their favourite food. Having said this, it’s almost impossible to please everyone, so simply choose a few select dishes for the evening. A buffet can be a really simple and effective way to cater for an office party. This allows people to serve themselves, which means that employers on a budget can avoid the cost of hiring serving staff. It also allows people to pick and choice whatever takes their fancy and si relatively inexpensive too. Decide whether you want a hot or cold buffet (or a combination of both) and what the main type of cuisine will be. More often than not, simple canapés will suffice for an office party, as many people just want something to snack on throughout the evening.
The entertainment for the evening is one aspect which really needs to be planned in advance. All parties need entertainment of some sort, whether it’s a live band, a DJ or simply some background music played on a sound system. It may be worth the trouble of booking a live musician however, as many employees will appreciate the effort and enjoy the evening much more. A music band or a DJ can create a fun and lively atmosphere, which a CD player simply cannot compete with. In terms of supplies, make sure there’s plenty of branded bottle openers available for opening drinks, as well as balloons and other festive decorations. Another thing to keep on the buffet table are promotional soft drinks, for those who are driving home.
