It’s the holidays, and you know what that means: the annual holiday party for the company. Since these things don’t plan themselves, plan your own great party with this checklist. Help your company celebrate the year and their gains with a great party! Check out this list on how to make it happen.
1. Figure out the date and time.

Nothing kills a party faster than poor scheduling! You need to figure out the best date and time for this party so that everyone can make it. If you can arrange it to be on a Friday at 7 p.m., more power to you. Try not to have it on a date where everyone’s going to need to show up early the next morning. For a holiday party, scheduling it early on the first week of December may work to your booking advantage.

2. Create the guest list and order invitations.

The guests will of course be employees of the company and the higher ups, but many of the employees have family, too. Decide if it’s an adult holiday party or inclusive of children. It’ll help you decide whether to put a plus-one or ‘the whole family is invited’ on the invitations. Order invites early to send them out early, too! Request an RSVP by a certain date.

3. Pick the place and food (catering).

Find a great place with a great catering menu, and you’ve got that holiday party made. Fancy hotels or banquet halls, it doesn’t matter. But do be sure that the event place matches the tone of your company. A Fortune 500 company party might be a little place at a local town club, for instance.

4. Choose your decorations & entertainment.

The theme of a holiday party is usually the holidays, so make sure the party looks completely decked out! You can hire someone or do it yourself, but make sure the place has a definite winter/holiday appeal. It’ll put everyone in a great mood! Speaking of which, entertainment is key. Hire a great DJ or whatever entertainment you like. Music must be played– it’s crucial.

5. Plan out the party.

Make sure you have a checklist and a list of everything that’s going to happen at the party (and everything that needs to happen before it). A well planned party is a fun party!

6. Include gifts.

Higher ups usually give their employees either gifts or bonuses for the holidays. Include gifts (and time for gifts) somewhere in the night to provide employees with valued recognition and a little holiday cheer.

7. Decide on the alcohol policy.

Basically, you need to decide whether there will be booze there (or not). Some parties are helped by alcohol– others swing wildly out of control quickly. Leaving this up to your superiors is usually a good call. If they want alcohol there, well, they’ve made the call. It is a party!

8. Have taxis available for those who need them.

Have the option for a car service ready. Sometimes guests drink too much and need a ride home. Make sure everyone’s safe by having taxis or car services ready to go. It’s a nice (and safe) touch.

9. Thank everyone.

Make sure there’s time at the beginning or middle of the party to have the bosses thank everyone for their hard work. Recognition is so important, and holiday parties are a time to recognize your employees for their efforts. Don’t forget to do this! It means a lot to your employees.

Those are your steps to having a great corporate holiday party! Follow these steps and you’re sure to have a great company holiday party that everyone will love. Good luck, and happy holidays!