Buying Guide for Holiday Event Planners
Jay Spear
Corporate holiday events can be the most festive time of the year - except for the person in charge of planning them. If one important item is missing, it can put a real damper on the occasion. But don't worry: Christmas Night Inc. is here to help. With our holiday planner buying guide, you can make a list and check it twice so this company Christmas party is the best one yet. Whether you're having your party at the office, an event center or a bowling alley, here are some of the things we recommend having on hand:
Good Food & Drink
This might seem obvious, but we've seen too many parties ruined by bad food and worse beverages. Here's what every holiday event should have:
This might seem obvious, but we've seen too many parties ruined by bad food and worse beverages. Here's what every holiday event should have:
- A Caterer - Don't settle for sandwiches and chips on the biggest holiday of the year. Spring for someone who is known for making a variety of food dishes, fits the theme of the event and has the manpower to handle your expected guest list. Start your search early so all the good ones aren't booked by the time you get to them. And make sure they have a few vegetarian or kosher options so everyone can enjoy.
- Holiday-Themed Snacks - Everyone loves some good Christmas cookies, gingerbread men, candy canes, chocolate and other holiday items to snack on before or after the main meal. Order some classic favorites or set up a dessert pot-luck for people to bring in their own creations. It's your call whether to have fruitcake though.
- Beverages - "Drink and be merry" is a truism when it comes to adults and holiday parties. But stick to classy drinks such as wine and cocktails - this isn't a time for light beer. You may also want to limit when and how much alcohol is available, both to reduce debauchery and make sure people get home safely.
Decorations
Now here's where things get fun. A few well-placed holiday event decorations can liven up the mood and bring some festive laughs even to an extravagant affair. The best part is that they can be reused for years! But with so many options, how do you choose? Here are Christmas Night's suggestions:
- Lights - Christmas lights are the standard, and the glow they emit from walls, ceilings and trees really sets the mood. Have a few strands of white or multi-colored lights that are hung strategically. Large light displays are another fun options. This can include lighted signs such as a "Seasons Greetings" banner as well as animated Santa's and lighted trains.
- Reindeer and Animals - These are a must if you're having a Christmas party where employee families are invited. Ride-on animal statues such as plush life-size Nordic reindeer are something the kids will love to try out. Smaller figures such as a Hansa sheep, resting reindeer or husky dog can be enjoyed without parental supervision and are good for smaller budgets.
- Santa Figures - It may be a "holiday" party, but it wouldn't be the same without jolly old St. Nick. A life-size Santa can welcome people to the event outside or inside, while tabletop Santas add a nice touch to counters and desks.
- Functional Decorations - If you're having an extended event, people will eventually want to sit down. A Santa Throne, Christmas Ball Chair or Snowmen Bench gives people a place to kick back for a moment. And you can leave them out at the office all winter if you like.
Also, we're going to go ahead and say "no" to mistletoe. It always seems like a cute idea at the time - but remember that the next time you see two people under it who definitely shouldn't be there together.
Gifts
Gifts
The holidays are a time to show appreciation to company employees. Of course, most of them prefer to receive this appreciation in their paycheck. But some cool gifts to give out via a holiday package, raffle or gift swap are a fun way to give back as well. Here are some tried-and-true holiday event gifts we like:
- Mugs and Glasses - Functional gifts such as these can be appreciated by coffee drinkers, hot chocolate enthusiasts and beer lovers alike. Cute animal mugs are often a safe bet, as are ones with a holiday message or corporate branding. You can get them personalized as well
- Bottles of Wine - Maybe you don't want people getting sloshed at the party, but what they imbibe in at home is up to them. Award a good bottle and a couple glasses and you'll have a very happy employee.
- Gift Certificates - These get a bad rap from some people, but we think they're a perfect way for your employees to have a good night out. Give them a certificate to a nice restaurant or event where they can enjoy themselves while still having some choice in how the evening goes.
- Holiday Decorations - Help people with their own home décor! Tree ornaments are something you can get for everyone, while larger-ticket items such as animal statues can be the big prizes in a gift drawing.
