For the holidays, many companies like to throw a holiday party. While these can be a lot of fun, they also don’t throw themselves! People put them together and volunteer to handle the details of the party. If you’re helping to plan the annual corporate holiday party, we’re here to help run over the details and structure of how to do it with you.

To throw a party right, especially for your company, you need to have a good checklist and follow it to the letter. Check out our to-do list for you below.

Pick a Date and Time Frame
This is often pretty easy because your company may dictate the date and time and maybe even the venue (although not always, so don’t get your hopes up too high). Usually, it’s going to be on a Friday or the weekend, but it might be thrown at some point where it just makes sense for everyone. Most parties are thrown after work closer to the weekend from about six to nine.

Do Invitations
Whether paper or digital, it’s time to draft invites. You will likely have a list of who to invite and either their emails or addresses or the potential to invite them at work with material invites. Request a RSVP by a certain date and make sure that they know how or who to get back to! Also find out before if people can bring guests or children.

Select a Venue Ahead of Time
Choosing a venue is a good way to kick off your planning. A venue in the area that is appropriate for the party and can host the number of people coming to that venue is crucial. See them in person and book early if you get approval for a specific venue.

Choose Decor and Entertainment
A holiday or seasonal theme will obviously go over pretty well. You also have to choose the entertainment, which is usually going to be some type of music.

Gifts or Favors
See what the higher-ups want to do for gifts or party favors. Often, the bonuses are handed out around this time or they are given before and party favors or gift bags are handed out at the end. If it’s in the budget, why not? Just approve it before going ahead.

Alcohol or No Alcohol?
Booze can be a double-edged sword at holiday parties. They can make them great or seriously impact the party in a negative way. If there are a few co-workers that are likely to go over, discuss whether an open bar is a good idea. Also, consider that it might be a good idea to have cars ready to take people home if libations are offered.

A good holiday party has great food, music, and the opportunity for people to enjoy themselves in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s not a kegger, but a chance for people to celebrate the holidays and the end of the year. It’s also a time when bosses recognize the hard work of their employees and give something back. Planning a party can be really tough, so be sure to have all of your ducks in a row as you go through the process and you’ll be fine. Thanks for reading, and happy holidays!