There comes a time in all office managers lives when they have to plan and host an office party for their employees. Whether it’s a going away party for a retiring staffer or the annual Christmas party, you want everything to be perfect and for everyone involved to have a good time. In this blog, you’ll find a few tips on how to throw the perfect office party without becoming overwhelmed or too stressed to enjoy the fun yourself.
Think of a clever theme
Every good office party has a clever theme. While the holiday you’re planning a party for might be the foundation of the theme, there are many variations you can work with. For instance, at a Christmas party you can have everything from an ugly sweater theme to a grinch theme and many, many things in between. If it’s just a general office party, anything from a 1940’s theme to a kids’ theme complete with cotton candy and popcorn is an option. The trick is to have a theme and make sure that everyone in the office gets the memo and participates.
Don’t forget the drinks
Whether it’s Christmas or just for motivation, remember this isn’t a kids’ party so the drinks should go way beyond Kool-aid and juice boxes. One great idea is to check into a margarita machine rental, so that everyone can have the time of their lives. Just don’t forget to have a variety of options, including drinks that don’t have alcohol in them, for those who don’t drink, after all you want everyone to have a good time.
Don’t forget the good food
Any office manager who has ever thrown a party can tell you that the type of food you serve can make or break the party altogether. Make sure that you suit your food to your theme. If you don’t have time to cook the food yourself pick up some premade food at your local supermarket or even consider having the party catered instead.
Plan a social activity
The last thing you want is people just milling around the refreshment table with nothing to do. Whether it’s a secret Santa exchange or an adult version of pin the tail on the donkey, you need to have some form of social activity to keep the staff engaged, organized, and enjoying themselves. You don’t want people to get bored and leave before the party ends.
Stick to the budget
It is essential to create a budget and stick to it when planning an office party. Set a budget for food, promotional gifts, secret Santa gifts, drinks, and everything else to do with your party and stick to it. Spending more than you budgeted isn’t good for the office or your personal budget either. If you’re having problems with the budget, try setting up an office pool and asking everyone to pitch in, if there’s a precedent for it.
Start planning early
Never, ever put off the planning of your office party to the last minute. Not only will it be disorganized, it will be easier to go over budget and the party won’t be near as fun in the long run.
These are just a few tips to help you throw a killer office party for your staff. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or just a party to blow off a little steam and promote motivation, planning is key to success in everything, even a party for your employees.
