Have you ever been to a work party? What about a corporate party for the holidays? The holiday season is the time of year where everyone is doing what they can to shore up the last sales of the quarter and come into a new year. It’s also when holiday parties tend to be planned and employees spend time together at them. If you’re the one that is putting together the plans for the part this year, you may feel like you have a lot on your plate– and more than just appetizers!

Let’s face it, planning a party can be intimidating. It can be all the more so when it comes to an event that is being thrown at or for your workplace. You may feel a lot of pressure to get it right.

Fortunately, we’re here! Scroll down to check out our guide to throwing a company holiday party and making sure that you know what to do in order to put together a fun event.

Some people have thrown parties before, while others may be taking on them for the first time. Whether you volunteered, are part of a committee, or are just involved because someone has to do it, it never hurts to brush up on what party planning involves or how to do it.

You may be wondering the best way to plan out a party and make sure that everything required is there. You want to make an experience that can usher everyone into the new year and make sure that they have a good time.

Figure out the basics.

Who is attending, the theme, the type of party venue you are choosing, how many people will be in attendance, if plus ones are allowed, where and when. Then you can figure out food, beverages, and entertainment too. Keep in mind that amount of guests will likely dictate venue.

Outline everything.

You’ll want to know everything about the party requirements. Guests, food, drinks, venue, time, invitations, and more. Write it all down and start brainstorming. Note what you do know and what is not yet chosen or known. If things aren’t set yet, don’t worry.

Start setting details.

Figure out information that you need but don’t know. Make decisions for themes, time length, venue, and budget. Some of these details are going to be passed down to you or confirmed by others and so largely you’re sort of pulling together an event but getting much of the structure passed to you– so it’s actually easier to make decisions on details because you don’t have to make most of them.

Begin executing.

Once you’ve got the details locked, you’ve got to start approaching making them happen. Timing and theme may end up falling on a company executive instead of a producer, so make sure you have the big choices confirmed and the little ones too. Then start moving ahead to the execution phase!

Consider fundraising or giving to a generous cause.

Many holidays incorporate giving or fundraising as part of their party. Others give out bonuses and also participate in raising money or other funds for charity. Consult with your company higher ups and see what their plan is for the event.

Decide whether there is going to be alcohol or not.

Having alcohol or not leads to a bevy of questions. Do you have alcohol at a party? Do you not have alcohol at a company party? It depends on the company and the timing of the party. If acceptable, figure out the parameters for consumption and how alcohol will be offered. Open or cash bar? Signature cocktails or choose what you like? If alcohol will be served you might want to figure out if there will be a ride service to go home available and provided.

Book vendors and entertainment as needed.

Once you know what is wanted for the party, book it! That will involve putting some type of payment down, so be sure that it is what is really wanted in terms of food and entertainment. Booking them and making sure that they show up is a key part of any party because you want to be sure to have food, beverages, and entertainment present.

Double-check your list and show up early to make sure things are set up right.

Then pat yourself on the back once the party gets started– you are done!