2023 has gone by in the blink of an eye. Thankfully, the end of the year means that the holiday season is around the corner, and it’s time to celebrate with friends, family, and, yes, your co-workers.
Hosting corporate parties not only boosts morale among employees; it also helps everyone become much better acquainted. Activities such as office holiday parties arranged outside the workplace further encourage team building, which helps build connections and boost productivity.
Setting an office holiday party in a fun location is also a great way to recognize the most hardworking employees and allow them to decompress after a busy year.
If you are in charge of your corporate holiday party and are on the hunt for fun and unique ideas for you and your coworkers, this guide is for you. Read on for everything you need to consider and the things to keep in mind:
Create a Budget
Usually, companies give organizers a budget they will need to stick to. It could be out of the company-designated party fund or from a small chunk of profits made that year. However, employees may sometimes have to shell out a small fee.
In any case, the appointed party organizer must spend money with utmost care. You may need approval from higher-ups about ideas for corporate holiday parties before you can book anything. Take a look at various food and drink options, and speak to multiple vendors and caterers to find out which services would be ideal for your company.
Most venues have a cap on the number of people they can accommodate for an event. You will likely need to sign a contract to book a location; consider all clauses carefully before you finalize a deal.
Schedule the Date, Time, and Place
Find out what your colleague’s schedules look like. There will likely be a lot of back and forth involved when determining the best date for your office holiday party.
At this stage, look at venue options. You can consider various locations depending on the vibe you’re going for. For instance, many choose restaurants, ballrooms, or conference rooms. Bowling alleys and clubs are for more casual events.
However, if you’re over these cliched venues and are looking for unique company holiday party ideas, choose FlannelJax’s. The recreational center has three locations: St. Paul (Minnesota), Madison (Wisconsin), and Grand Rapids (Michigan). If your office is in these cities, you should look into FlannelJax’s services.
Order Catering & Drinks
What’s a party without good food, right? After you’ve selected a venue, check the food options they have. While most restaurants will have a fixed menu for company parties, some might have limitations when it comes to big groups.
So, it is best to iron out the details regarding the menu. You should also ask your coworkers about dietary restrictions and allergies to forward to your caterer.
If you choose FlannelJax’s, you don’t have to worry about catering services. It has partnered with local vendors who will deliver delicious treats to your party. You can choose from a variety of food options that will satisfy all attendees’ taste buds. Party hosts can also order from a selection of canned beers and wines.
Note that the Grand Rapids location doesn’t serve alcohol at the moment; St. Paul and Madison do.
Arrange For Party Supplies
The best office holiday party ideas have unifying themes. They make all other party details come together quickly, and as a bonus, everyone is excited to dress up.
While most party venues can provide you with the needed supplies for decorations, some might not. So make sure to arrange for party supplies, like cutlery, glassware, wreaths, balloons, streamers, and other decor that will match the theme.
Check with the venue’s management to know what they can provide and what you would have to get yourself. This way, you won’t have to worry about anything at the last minute.
Entertainment
Every party needs to have entertainment. Firstly, based on your ideas for company holiday parties, you’ll have to arrange several entertainment options, like karaoke or games like bingo or holiday-themed charades.
If you choose FlannelJax’s, you don’t have to worry about what you will do for the evening. The recreational center has games like Thump the Stump, Crosscut Sawing, and a crowd-favorite Axe Throwing.
And if you’re worried about your and your coworkers’ axe-throwing skills or lack thereof, don’t be. FlannelJax’s experienced Lumberjacks will be there to teach you how it’s done and ensure your safety. These games are quite unique and will be the talk of the office for years to come.
Finalize the Details
Now that you’ve made all the arrangements, finalize the little details. Ensure your venue of choice has all the information to make your office holiday party idea a reality. Send reminders or a countdown calendar to attendees. The anticipation will make everyone look forward to the party even more.
Leave some wiggle room when it comes to food and drinks, as it’s better to be prepared for more guests than you anticipated.
And once you’ve ironed out all the details, it’s time to party!
Conclusion: Party Time
After you’ve arranged the venue, food and drinks, decor, and entertainment, it’s time to let loose. Put on your best outfit, socialize with your colleagues, and participate in the activities that you have arranged.
With FlannelJax’s, your preparations will be easy, as the center will have food and entertainment covered. The venues are equipped to handle crowds, so you won’t have to worry about anything. All attendees will surely have a good time.
Whether you’re choosing the St. Paul, Madison, or Grand Rapids location, know that they are wheelchair friendly, so all guests can easily access the venues.
Reach out to FlannelJax’s for answers to all of your questions about corporate holiday parties!
