The Christmas party should be an event people look forward too, rather than dread. Creating an event everyone wants to go to is not an easy task, but can be done if you keep in mind what people want most out of a party: a comfortable atmosphere and fun; as well as organize your party carefully and well in advance.
Tip 1: Send out the Invitations Early
For starters, you should inform them well in advance, so that no clash with other events occurs. Send out the invitations pretty early and try to get as many RSVP’s as quickly as possible. Put a deadline for the RSVP so that you can make any alterations to numbers well in advance (the deadline is usually about a week or two before the event).
Tip 2: Take the party outside the office
No one wants to attend an office party in the office. A party is a special event that needs a special venue to go along with it. So this year, take the party out of the office. Think about different ways to get the party out of the claustrophobic office, such as hiring a venue, booking restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, sport centers, sporting events and ice rinks. By taking the party away from the office, you’ll find people can relax more and enjoy themselves.
Tip 3: Variation is the key
Keep parties varied from year to year. If you create the same old party year after year, you’ll find that people will slowly drift off and find other events to attend. Providing a new and interesting Christmas party each time will encourage employees and work mates to attend.
Why not also make the party at different times. It, after all, does not necessarily have to be an evening event.
Tip 4: Expand the Guest list
One consideration is the practical issues of home life. Many people don’t attend because they cannot find anyone to look after the kids, or they simply would prefer to be with their family. Extending the invitation to family members or a ‘guest’ will encourage employees to attend the party and help them feel more relaxed. It also puts less pressure on those who are not so outgoing to socialize constantly.
You can extend the guest list even further by inviting business contacts, connections and clientele. This will encourage business without the stress of direct social networking. Of course, if you do decide upon this, the alcohol consumption will have to be handled responsibly as you don’t want anyone making a fool of themselves in front of the clients.
Tip 5: Loose the stress of networking
For many this is one day of the year you spend time with your colleagues without working or social networking, so ditch the stress of social networking and use this party as a time to relax, congratulate everyone on their work and to enjoy yourself.
Interested in hiring a Christmas party organiser for your office Christmas party, have a look at www.christmascorporation.co.uk who create bespoke and shared Christmas parties.
Marie Coles is a professional writer. She writes informative, yet, dynamic articles on christmas party ideas for christmascorporation.co.uk
