7 Hints for Organizing Your
Office Party
by
Phyllis Cambria and Patty Sachs
authors of
Complete Idiot's Guide to Throwing a Great Party
If the thought
of organizing another ho-hum holiday event for your office, plant or store
staff is making you wish the Grinch really would steal Christmas, here are
some expert tips for turning your party from blah to blowout!
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Organize the more social staff members into a committee. Not only will
they give you input for party ideas, but by making them part of the
process, you can guarantee there will be less grumbling about the plans
made. Solicit ideas from employees by either collecting answers on a short
questionnaire or setting up a suggestion box.
Let's Get Outta Here
If you normally hold your company party surrounded by equipment,
computers, desks, store merchandise and piles of work to be done, it's
tough for your staff to get into the holiday spirit. Move the party to
another, more festive site. However, if you don't want to go the hotel or
restaurant route, think outside the box and choose an art gallery,
day-cruise ship, museum, country inn, ice rink or other non-traditional
locale. Or pile the gang onto a chartered bus, serve snacks-on-the-go and
tour your city's holiday light displays.
It's the Season for Giving
Most people like to give to charities during the holiday season. Make it
easy for your employees to do so by setting up an area at the party where
they can donate non-perishable food items and unwrapped toys. These then
can be gathered and donated to a charity or two in your area.
When the Music Moves You
If you can't afford to bring in a live band or DJ, at least provide a
quality sound system with a multi-disc player. Ask your employees to bring
in their favorite CDs, set the player on random play and then put someone
in charge of periodically changing the albums to ensure a variety of
music. Another viable option for music is the use of your
"in-house" talent bank. Musical genius may dwell within your
employee ranks.
Peace on Earth
When the party is held in the afternoon, it's understandable if it's an
employee-only affair. However, if it's an evening event, allowing your
staff members to bring their spouse or a guest will go a long way to
keeping peace, at least in their home. If you plan a family event, be sure
to plan extra-special activities, refreshments and gifts for youngsters.
Be Responsible
Provide festive and delicious non-alcoholic drinks for teetotalers.
Depending on the circumstances, it's possible that you might find yourself
liable if an employee causes an accident while driving home intoxicated
from your party. Either limit alcohol consumption, provide employees with
a ride home, or set up a designated driver car pool.
It is Better to Give--Real Gifts
When selecting a guest gift or take-home favor, avoid an item
emblazoned with your company logo. No matter how attractive or useful, it
still serves as an advertising specialty rather than a true gift. A
perfect present is one personalized with the name of the guest or at least
one that has been specially selected for that individual.
This time of
year affords you the ideal opportunity to reward your employees with a
festive break from their daily pursuits. Your special occasion can also be
a time for them to not only mix and mingle with each other but perhaps
with customers or clients, as well. Your warm, friendly and fun gathering
will be remembered and appreciated by your guests until the next holiday
season.
Phyllis Cambria
and Patty Sachs are the co-authors of
Complete Idiot's Guide to Throwing a Great Party and co-owners of PartyPlansPlus.com (http://www.PartyPlansPlus.com),
an online party planning company offering advice and party products.
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