How To Plan a Corporate Holiday Party

A guide to the perfect holiday work party

It’s that time of year again. The trees go bare, the streets go icy, and the sun, well, the sun just goes away. This dramatic change in weather might have some people questioning life in the Northern Hemisphere…that is, until you hear those sleigh bells ringing and you remember that with the cold come the joys of the holiday season. That’s right. It’s time to plan your corporate holiday party.

It just so happens that part of your job responsibilities includes planning company events. That means you have the power to design this year’s corporate holiday party however your heart desires. Think of all the possibilities, you consider with a smile. All the holiday party ideas in the world! But your smile turns into a frown as you think of literally all of the holiday party ideas out there. You become overwhelmed and maybe even a little stressed. Never fear. The ultimate guide to planning office Christmas parties is here, full of holiday party tips, office party etiquette and corporate holiday party planning advice.

Company Holiday Party Invitations

All of the holiday party themes listed below can be dressed up for a sophisticated party or dressed down for a more casual affair. The invitation’s look should capture one or the other, letting the guests know what kind of attire is expected.

The things you should include on the invitation are as follows, and they provide clarification on many levels. To save yourself hours of answering the same questions over and over, put as much info on the office Christmas party invitations as you can, including:

Date & Time
Location
Dress
Food details (Plated dinner? Buffett? Lunch? Appetizers? Cocktails?)
Plus 1’s (and other guests-bringing-guests information)
What to bring (gifts, donations, a warm holiday cheer, etc…)

Company Holiday Party Ideas

Winter Wonderland – This theme is all about the silver, white and gold. Think ball room, think snow fall, and think twilight. The Winter Wonderland theme is classy, and can be dressed up or down depending on the crowd and venue. Companies that want to make their holiday parties beautiful and pristine-looking should consider this theme.

Holiday Decorations:

Strings of white lights and candles
Chinese lanterns
Christmas trees with white lights and snow-covered wreaths
Gold and silver garland

Holiday Food Ideas:

Mini quiche, deviled eggs
Roasted pork loin, roasted chicken
Mashed potatoes, cauliflower au gratin
White chocolate cheesecake

Holiday Christmas Party Entertainment:

Jazz band or pianist
Silent auction
Donation bin – bring an item to donate upon entrance

Holidays in Hollywood – This theme can be a lot of fun, if done right. Just like the Winter Wonderland, this theme can be dressed up or down, though it is more commonly dressed up. With Holidays in Hollywood, you should think a night with the stars: red carpet and paparazzi.

Holiday Decorations:

Movie reel canisters
Movie poster
Cinema centerpieces
Red carpet

Holiday Food Ideas:

Cheese and herb spread, fruit kabobs, shrimp cocktail
Prime rib carving station, shrimp scampi
Twice baked potatoes, mixed green salad
Cheesecake and apple tart

Holiday Christmas Party Entertainment:

Raffle with movie-related gifts, movie passes, DVD packages, autographed photos, a trip to Hollywood
Movie theme music
Name that movie games
Name that actor/actress games
Photo booth

Twelve Days of Christmas – We all know (or think we know) this theme, but even if we can’t match the right gift with the right day, it’s still fun to try. Again, this theme is for the casual or the fancy gatherings, depending on execution. Anything that has to do with the twelve days is fair game here…decorations, food and entertainment included.

Holiday Decorations: