A lot has changed over the last few years–while gatherings were prohibited and remote work and office policies in flux, company holiday parties moved to the back burner. However, the Christmas Party is back and arguably, more important than ever.
With the shift to hybrid and remote work, the Corporate Christmas Party may be one of few opportunities to get the entire team together in person, and to celebrate twelve months’ worth of hard work. While it’s recommended to start planning early, Peerspace has compiled a Corporate Christmas Party guide to help the nominated party planners at every small business achieve a well organised and ‘morale-boosting’ celebration, even in you’re late to the planning party, so to speak.
Picking the perfect venue
Budget and location – which came first, the chicken or the egg? While it may seem best to pick a location close to the office, your best bet is to determine your budget first. Whether you’re working with $500 or $5,000, your budget is going to steer the ship for every element of your party, including venue, theme, decorations, and activities.
Once a budget is set, move on to selecting the venue. The location may not be everything, but the atmosphere is. The venue sets the stage for your event in a big way, and the Corporate Christmas Party is a great time to branch out from a standard, plain event space that merely meets expectations.
A unique space with dynamic lighting, structure or views helps create an extra special experience. Why not opt for more unexpected spaces such as a rooftop, creative loft, or a stunning home to delight guests?There are plenty of options to suit all budgets – they can also be rented by the hour, so you aren’t forking out for unused time.
After finding the perfect venue, be sure to check the venue policies to see whether it is suitable for medium-large scale events, food and drinks.
Incorporating a theme into the venue
White Christmas. Oh, Christmas tree. Favourite Christmas character. Ugliest Christmas jumper (or Christmas shirt, considering it’s the middle of summer for Australia).
While selecting a theme for a party can be an uphill battle with all of your colleagues weighing in, the holiday season is the perfect time to deck the halls with next level decorations.
A theme contributes to the entire appeal of the party and encourages colleagues to get into the holiday spirit, so starting with table décor and lighting is a budget-friendly approach. Be sure to see what the standard decor is on the space and look at any add-ons from the host, so you can create the look and style you want without blowing the budget.
Keeping employees engaged in the venue
Incorporating an activity into your Christmas party can be the perfect way to keep everyone engaged. Secret Santa is a great option to kick off the event and make sure everyone is included.
Music is a must at any celebration, but you need to select the right music for the corporate Christmas party. Live music always evokes more energy, so consider hiring a local band and dance the night away to live music.
If hiring a venue with a bar, enjoy a fun cocktail hour with Christmas themed drinks! Make sure you have options for everyone’s preferences – sending out a team or company survey beforehand can help ensure you have options for everyone.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed gathering, look for a venue with large dining and seating areas. These spaces are ideal for sit-down conversations and casual dining, making your annual Secret Santa gift exchange a breeze!
No matter what you’re planning, be sure to check the venue’s guidelines, Peerspace’s social event policy and community guidelines, and share all of the details with the host to ensure your event is the right fit for their space.
Story By Zachary Hill, Marketing Manager at Peerspace