Christmas is just around the corner, and offices up and down the country are beginning the planning process of the event that, for many, is the highlight of the working year – the office Christmas party. After putting in another twelve months of hard work and dedication for the business, it’s time for employees to kick back, relax and enjoy the festivities, while socializing and having fun.
But, for many small business owners and start-ups, this yearly traditional can come with a hefty price tag. You want to throw an amazing party and make sure that your employees all have the best time, but that can quickly become a significant expense. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do on a budget to make sure your employees have a great time.
#1. Choose the Right Day.
You could say that choosing the right day is one of the most important parts of planning any party. You could go for a night during the weekend, but this could be tricky if employees have other plans. You could choose a weekday, but that’s unlikely to go down well if you’re expecting everybody in work at 9AM the next day.
It may be a good idea to put out an office poll to determine which date will attract the most employees and, therefore, make sure that you get the most for your money. You might even consider having a belated celebration in January to avoid premium Christmas prices and make it easier for employees to attend.
#2. Choosing a Venue.
The venue that you choose will have a big impact on the affordability of your party as well as how enjoyable it is for attendees. If you have a large office and want to save as much money as possible, then you might want to consider hosting the party at the office itself; this is ideal for colleagues who commute as it means they don’t need to return home and come back out later for a party.
Choosing the venue for your office Christmas party is an important first step in planning the event. Not only will it help to determine the overall tone and theme of the party, but it can also provide some helpful clues for decorations. For example, if you’re holding a party at a restaurant or bar, you won’t need to worry about decorating too much. However, if you’re hosting the party at your office, you’ll want to make sure that the space is festive and inviting. Some simple decorations, such as holiday lights, banners, and inflatables can go a long way toward getting everyone into the Christmas spirit. You can get Christmas inflatables in various shapes and sizes, from Santa Claus and reindeer to Christmas wreaths and Nativity scenes, and they’ll add a touch of fun to any Christmas party. You can even add your brand logo or some special messages to your inflatable. Just be sure to measure the space where you’ll be setting them up before you make your purchase! No matter what venue you choose, though, remember that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the company of your colleagues.
Or, you might find that it is cheaper to look into ideas for pre-arranged events, such as theater shows and concerts – check out Ticket Sales to see if there’s anything within your budget that your employees will enjoy.
#3. Food and Drink.
Food and drink is, as we all know, an integral part of any workplace Christmas party, and making sure that your employees have plenty to feast on is likely to take up a huge part of your overall budget.
One option would be to do it yourselves; you could even ask each employee to bring one buffet dish along – this is affordable for everybody, and you can put on a gorgeous spread without having to hire expensive caterers. Stock the fridge with beverages, and ask everyone to bring something to drink along too. Or, if you’re going to a bar, many employees will be happy with footing their own drinks bills if you’re happy to get the first couple of rounds in.
What do you have planned for this year’s office Christmas party?
