December is finally here. As a planner, you have more than likely finished up your events for the year and are starting to focus your efforts on next year’s event calendar. However, before the year comes to a close there is one final event to plan: the annual company holiday party.

Whether you are planning a luncheon, dinner or full day of activities, follow our tips below for a seamless and fun holiday party.

Book A Space Early
This is one of the busiest times of the year. Not only are people busy buying gifts, baking treats, and attending holiday shows, they are booking space for their holiday parties, as well. Space fills up quickly this time of year as companies, families and friends look for the perfect place to celebrate. Book your restaurant, venue or hotel early in order to reserve your preferred dates and keep costs low.

Be Inclusive
Remember that not everyone celebrates the holidays the same way you do. Be mindful of this when you plan out your activities and design your décor. Depending on your company culture, you may need to stick to a non-denominational holiday theme. Alternatively, you could include elements from all holidays—Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.

Close Out The Year
It’s not only the holidays, it’s the end of the year. Use this opportunity to celebrate your company’s accomplishments! Focus on employee camaraderie and company-wide achievements. You can do this by showing fun photos or videos of your colleagues or by presenting graphs and numbers that highlight how your company goals were met or even exceeded. Pointing out the positive impact your company has made on its employees, clients and industry will help everyone leave in a good mood and start the new year off on the right foot.

Have Fun
It’s the most wonderful time of the year so make sure you enjoy yourself. Plan ahead to prevent yourself from running around at the last minute, (or even during the event), so that you can sit back and join in the holiday fun along with the rest of your colleagues.

Shelley Griffin

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