It’s time to start planning that office holiday party. While the pressure to create the perfect event can be stressful, organizing your annual get-together can be a lot of fun if you go about it the right way.
Follow these tips to throw a party your guests will be talking about well into the new year.
1) Choose the right venue
This is probably the most important decision you’ll make in terms of party planning. You want a venue that’s tasteful, accessible, and able to accommodate your guest count and activities with ease. One of Toronto’s top corporate holiday party venues is the exclusive Wellington Room at the Strathcona Hotel. Conveniently located downtown in the Financial District, the venue offers easy access to all Toronto’s main transportation hubs, so your guests can leave their car keys at home and enjoy a stress-free evening. The Wellington Room can accommodate up to 50 people and will be customized according to the details of your event. Chef Tony will work with you to create a menu that’ll have your guests coming back for seconds! And for those who wish to keep celebrating after the event’s over, the saloon-style Strath Pub on the hotel’s lower level is the perfect spot for an impromptu after-party.
2) Plan your activities
Holiday parties are a great time to break the ice among colleagues and give everyone a chance to forge stronger working relationships. Everyone is there to have fun, so a few well-chosen activities will keep the good vibes flowing and ensure your event is remembered as a success. Door prizes, a “Secret Santa” gift exchange or Christmas-themed teambuilding games are great ways to capitalize on positive energy and maximize interaction among guests. Selecting a theme is also great way to get your employees on board: an ugly sweater contest, tree-trimming and traditional Christmas dinner are a few ideas. Consider your organization’s work culture throughout the process and make sure this is reflected in your chosen activities.
3) Recognize good work
Your holiday party is a great time to honour contributions made by employees, promote team spirit and let your people know how valued they are. If you’re planning to give gifts, put time, thought and effort into them. If gifts aren’t in the budget, you can opt for other ways you can show your appreciation, including awards or simple verbal recognition of work well done.
You can also take advantage of this time to recognize any charitable efforts made throughout the year and perhaps designate a gift for a charitable cause.
By following these basic guidelines, you can be sure to create a unifying and super-fun event. Start planning early to make the most of the festive season!