It’s that time of year again.
Stock up on eggnog – it’s time for the annual holiday party. If you haven’t already, now is the time to start planning your holiday party.
Here are some top tips on how to plan your workplace celebrations, and why you should make an effort….
Holiday Parties Are Good for Business
A holiday celebration can provide a real boost to your small business going into the New Year. A good party is an instant mood-lifter, helping to foster goodwill and camaraderie.
A party lets your team know that you value them.
It’s a way of saying thank you for their hard work, and a chance for them to let their hair down and have some fun during a very busy time of year.
Don’t Forget Your Clients
Holiday parties aren’t just for your team.
Consider planning on a get-together for your clients, too. A memorable party will keep you in your clients’ minds long after the celebration is over.
A holiday party is a great way to show off a new product, learn more about your clients, or simply foster a good bond with them. Treat them like VIPs and they’ll look favorably on your business in the coming year.
Make an Effort
The first step to throwing a successful holiday party is simply making an effort.
Whether you’re celebrating with your team or your clients, a half-hearted attempt won’t generate the goodwill you’re hoping for.
No matter what your budget, you can find ways of making your party special. Plan in advance, and make sure you’ve covered everything from the right venue to delicious food.
Pay Attention to Details
Details matter when it comes to holiday party success.
For example, which venue are you going to choose? Your venue needs to be easily accessible for attendees, with good parking or public transport links.
Think about the food on offer.
Does your team or clients have special dietary needs? Doing all you can to make each party goer comfortable is a sign of a great host.
Last but not least, don’t forget about decorations.
Whether you’re having a themed party or sticking with traditional holiday decor, plenty of tasteful decorations will set the mood.
Make it Memorable
If you want your party to boost both morale and business going into the New Year, you’ll need to make it memorable.
Here are some ways you can do that:
- Holding a themed party;
- Picking a memorable venue such as a beautiful garden, fancy hotel, or even a tourist attraction;
- Giving guests a chance to pose for pictures to capture the memories, as suggested in “Capturing Holiday Memories When You’re Hosting“;
- Organizing a gift exchange, or even better a gift exchange with a twist such as re-gifting, hand-made or themed;
- Serving high-quality food;
- Hiring an entertainer such as a comedian, band, or even a storyteller;
- Organizing an outing rather than a traditional party.
Get Organized In Advance
The holidays are a busy time of year for your clients and staff alike.
To make sure your party goes off without a hitch, start early. Set a date a couple of months in advance and send out a “save the date” announcement so attendees can make sure they’re free.
Think about your venue, food, theme, entertainment and any other details in advance, too. Planning early means you’re more likely to get the venue and caterers you want, and you might snag an early bird deal, too.
A yearly holiday party can be more than just a fun day or night.
Make your get-together something special and let the goodwill carry your business into the New Year.
About the Author: Tristan Anwyn writes on a variety of topics including social media, how to build customer relationships, content marketing and how to throw a work holiday party.