17 Mar 20 Wonderful Holiday Party Planning Guideline for Texas Businesses
It seems that annually the holiday parties begin earlier and earlier. This means that the preparation should start even earlier! Texas businesses are constantly watching our moneys, but that doesn’t imply that we can’t throw a holiday party for employees and still keep within the budget!
Regardless of what your party budget, it will serve you well to show your appreciation for your workers’ year-long efforts in some merry-making and tangible manner; to enjoy together in a social instead of business atmosphere. This goes a long way toward making workers feel valued and enables them to bond with one another – a good step toward team building and improving morale.
That’s why we brainstormed on precisely how you can host a gathering and involve the team. If you follow some simple rules, there is a way to party hardy and have a great time.
No matter if you hold your holiday party on or off company premises; there are many solutions for you and your employees to have a frolicking happy times without “breaking the bank.”
Right here are 20 Terrific Holiday Party Planning Suggestion for having a Budget Friendly Company Holiday Party.
1. Start planning now.
Everyone knows the key to saving money is to organize ahead and be organized, and for (state) businesses, it is no different. Now is the time to think what kind of party you’d prefer. Do you wish to have a dinner party at a big fancy ballroom or an informal gathering at the office? Consider your guest list. Will employees’ spouses be attending? Keeping the party on the smaller side is more than likely going to save you money. Do you want to provide everything, or do you want to go potluck? Many venues and top event coordinators book years ahead of time, so act now; no matter how strange it may seem to be thinking about a holiday party this early.
2. Set the date instantly.
“Premium” days in the month of December quickly fill up on food caterers’ calendars.
3. At-the-office mid-week Luncheons.
A catered luncheon at the office can be less expensive compared to a restaurant or banquet outing. Catered foods range in cost and many caterers themselves have a lot of menus with a range of prices and selections. Since this is during the work day, it goes without saying it’s for employees only, so the guest count would not be as high like it were an evening event. There would also be more savings by not having any alcohol.
4. At-the-office Mid-week Afternoon Mixers.
Instead of a luncheon, host a mixer from 4pm-6pm with light finger foods and beverages. Invite employees’ spouses to join for a family atmosphere. Produce a multi-disc player sound system and play some popular holiday CD’s, or tune your company radio to a local station that plays non-stop holiday music. Take some party pictures of employees and showcase them on your company bulletin board. Consider playing some lighthearted holiday games or activities to add some fun to the festivities. Planning an offsite component to this kind of event can be a great addition too. Chartering a party bus to do loops run of local lights and holiday venues can be a great way to enliven an evening for not to0 much additional money.
5. Have a “Dessert Bake Off” contest.
Not all people bakes, yet those who do normally love to share their goods with friends. Make it a team effort (and reduce your financial burden) by requesting them to bring a favorite dessert to share. Make scorecards by the winner and each dessert gets a gift certificate, or a paid day off, or lunch with the boss.
6. Off premises parties.
Request your employees and their “significant others” to the Boss’ home. At-home holidays parties have a “cozy and warm” feel to them, and can make socializing more pleasant and enjoyable. Holding a party at your home can also be a little a lot easier on the wallet than a restaurant or banquet hall party. Regardless if you serve brunch, lunch, dinner, or cocktails, be sure the quality and taste of the food and drink is superior; this will add credibility to the party experience. Because it is at a private home, you would also manage to furnish your very own alcohol and not have the added expense of a bartender, just be sure to seek advice from your insurance company regarding liquor liability. Most policies have a nominal credit add this type of coverage for an event at your residence. If alcohol is part of your plan, give consideration to providing a safe ride home program where you will arrange for a Houston Texas party bus to give employees a ride to their homes, public transpiration hubs or to local hotels. When planning holiday parties, this can reduce your corporate liability even further.
7. Have the Caterer Just Drop it off.
As an alternative to having the expense of a wait staff and bartenders, just have the caterer bring everything, set it up, then leave. Arranging for them to pick and return up their devices on the next regular business day will keep delivery costs to a minimum.
8. The Big Party.
If you do choose to go “whole hog,” and hold your party at a banquet hall, there are some ways to hold down costs. Parties held on any day but Friday and Saturday are generally less expensive.
9. Have a “Wintertime” party.
In January and February, the prime dates aren’t filled and you might just get more value for your dollar. Imagine the holiday season from early November until mid to late February and you will see all style of new possibilities open. If you do decide to have a “wintertime” party after the traditionally considered times, ensure that you tell your employees before the traditional holiday season so they don’t think you just tried to “skip out” on the party.
10. Ordering from the menu saves money.
For many catering businesses, their chefs diligently plan menus to inspire, stay balanced, and remain within a specific budget. When starting from scratch, often times, a great tip becomes much larger of a process to execute than planned. This creates additional expense to the caterer and therefore is passed on to the client.
11. Do your best to get an accurate head count.
Calculate how many guests you plan and have for that many. Think about issuing “tickets” to the event based on the RSVP so that you don’t have people who did not RSVP showing up at the event.
12. Buffets or food stations?
Establish some fun interaction with a great Chef Manned Action Station.
13. Have a signature cocktail with beer and wine.
Instead, come up with a great holiday cocktail that will please your guests and keep the price tag in check. Think about offering “drink coupons” where you are able to assign everyone a one or two drink maximum.
14. Butler Passed Hors d’oeuvres.
People are less likely to throw away food with this. If you just put food out on a table and give them plates they tend to fill up the plate but don’t eat all of it. , if you have servers walk around with trays they are more likely to eat what they take.
15. Simplicity equals Elegance.
Sometimes less is more, so focus your budget on the most important parts first.
16. Fresh and festive décor sets the tone.
A number of decorations and centerpieces can go a long way. Festive linens, candles, and décor can really set the mood. Have them join you and set up the room prior to the event if you have a hands-on committee. It’s another great team building exercise that allows for some great creative outlet.
17. Use a theme.
Having a theme enables you focus on what you buy. You won’t waste money on things that don’t fit that theme if you focus on a particular theme and stick to it.
18. Plan a Potluck.
It’s the oldest tradition of Holiday Gatherings. Imagine using this to augment some company provided food such as having a desert potluck or a salad potluck where the company provides part of the food and the employees provide the rest.
19. Do nothing.
Save the budget for a great Summer Party! Sometimes, a holiday card and a small gift will go further than a holiday party.
20. Crash someone else’s party!
Seriously. Many associations have holiday parties that allow you to bring your employees as long as you pay their way. This makes great sense for smaller companies to not only have a very upscale and elegant atmosphere for their party, but is also a great way to network.
The holidays in Texas should be a joyous and fun time, a time of generosity and as much generosity as one can muster. Keeping that in mind, reward your employees with a joyful holiday party as a substantial way to reveal your appreciation for their yearlong efforts. And leave that bah-humbugging to someone else.
Whichever you do to rejoice in the holidays this season, keep these tips in mind for your next party, and you can throw a successful, safe, and enjoyable event that everyone will love.