Selecting the type of party you want to give
becomes much easier once you've decided what you want the party
to accomplish. Ask yourself if you want the party to be an opportunity
to:
- Let your employees and their families know
how much you appreciate them.
- Note individual and department contributions
to the company.
- Provide a team-building opportunity for employees.
- Give your employees and their loved ones
a special evening of entertainment.
- Simply say thanks and celebrate another good
year.
Corral your budget
Whether you are doing the legwork yourself or have someone helping
you, a budget fences in your possibilities. Generally, you can cater
a lunch for your office staff for around $10 a person.
Local and regional theaters often offer group
rates for blocks of 10 or more tickets for a performance.
For dinner and drinks, plan to spend around
$25 to $30 per person. Concern over potential liabilities connected
with alcohol has prompted some businesses to serve only non-alcoholic
beverages. Others have solved the drink dilemma by either distributing
drink tickets to their guests or by letting guests take care of
their own drink tabs.
Check out the possibilities
Make preliminary phone calls to restaurants, caterers
or clubs that might work for your party. Though experts recommend
starting early with holiday party plans, late planners often find
they are first in line for cancellations on prime locations.
Think creatively; it might be easier and cheaper
to host a company luncheon or brunch during the holidays. The holidays
are also a great time to entertain at home.
Once you've narrowed down your choices to two
or three possibilities, visit them. Visiting a site and talking
with a caterer or event planner face to face will go a long way
toward helping you make a decision. It should be easy to finalize
your choice after talking to references from list of finalists.
Finally, ask for a written estimate and review it for areas of negotiation.
As soon as you've selected a date, send out
invitations to employees. Some companies include flyers or invitations
with paychecks and e-mail is a fast and easy way to get the word
out. Follow up by circulating sign-up sheets.
Activities make memories
Experts agree that activities, not food, make memories. So include
activities in your party plans.
Perhaps different departments can perform skits.
A friendly "name that tune" competition between different tables
of guests might provide some fun. And
drawings for door prizes are always a good idea.
If you're planning an off-site party, consider
a venue that is an activitiy itself. The
Enchanted Castle in Lombard, Ill., for example, offer rides
and entertainment for the whole family -- or whole office. Or a
specialty restaurant, such as Medieval
Times that offers dinner and a jousting tournament at eight
locations nationwide, could provide a festive setting for your office
celebration.
Whether the party is in your home, an amusement
center or a restaurant, it's important to be there to welcome your
guests and answer any questions they may have when they arrive.
After the party is over, try to get feedback
about the event. This information will be useful as you begin planning
for next year.
Entertaining
your employees with a holiday party can build company spirit, say
thank you and celebrate the spirit of the season all at once. And
here's a fact that will banish any Scrooge-like thoughts: Holiday
parties for your staff are fully tax-deductible.
