a
Go to all experiences
r
Planning a small office Christmas party can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little organisation and a sprinkle of festive spirit, you can create a memorable experience for everyone involved, even if your team is small. Let’s break down the main aspects of planning a fabulous office gathering.
First things first, setting a budget is crucial. When you know how much you can spend, it makes decisions about food and entertainment much easier. Start by considering the following:
It’s wise to set aside a small percentage for unexpected expenses, too—after all, you never know when an extra decoration or a last-minute guest might pop up! Additionally, consider whether you want to include a themed element to your party, as this can influence your budget. A winter wonderland theme may require more elaborate decorations, while a simple festive gathering could be achieved with minimal decor and a focus on good food and company.
The timing of your party can make or break the event. Weekdays or early evenings might be the best option for most office staff. Consider scheduling it early in December to avoid the holiday rush and ensure maximum attendance. Make sure to check holiday schedules and workloads that may affect the chosen date.
A sweet spot for starting the party might be around 4 PM, allowing your team to wrap up their day, and focus on celebrating. Don't forget to send an invite well in advance; a simple calendar invite or festive e-card does the trick!
You might also want to include a fun poll in your invitation to gauge interest in specific activities or themes, giving everyone a chance to contribute to the planning process and feel more engaged. Therefore, you’ll know straight away if people are up for festive wreath making, or would just prefer to hit the dancefloor!
Next up is the guest list. In a small office, it’s typically straightforward: everyone should be invited! But make sure to consider any remote employees or those on annual leave. You might include options for virtual participation to ensure no one feels left out—perhaps even setting up a live stream for the big moments of the party!
Encouraging RSVPs can also help in planning catering and seating arrangements more effectively. It’s also a good idea to think about any dietary restrictions or preferences your colleagues may have. A quick survey can help you gather this information, ensuring that everyone has something delicious to enjoy.
Moreover, consider the dynamics of your team; incorporating icebreaker games to initiate team bonding can help foster connections among coworkers who may not interact frequently, making the gathering feel more inclusive and enjoyable for all. We love our office escape room experience for bridging people together.
Food and drink can be a highlight of any office Christmas party. So, let’s dive into options that can satisfy everyone’s tastes.
For a small gathering, you might consider a buffet-style arrangement where various dishes are set out. This allows guests to help themselves and try a bit of everything! Think classic festive cuisine with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, or even a delightful vegetarian option.
Grazing tables are also an aesthetic yet delicious way to present food and everybody loves them.
Drink options can range from the classic mulled wine and festive cocktails to soft drinks and water—to cater for everyone. A fun idea could be to hire a private bartender to come to your office with a mobile bar, preparing festive cocktails and some well-loved classics to your guests. It's interactive and gets people chatting!
No party is complete without a bit of entertainment! This is where you get to truly make the evening special.
Mixing in some festive games can lighten the mood and get everyone involved—from a Christmas pub quiz experience to competing in the metaverse, at HOMETAINMENT we have a whole host of experiences on our books that make the most memorable small office Christmas party.
For something a bit more dynamic, consider hiring a band or a DJ who can bring in the festive cheer. Alternatively, a comedian could add a lot of fun! Just ensure you gauge everyone’s preferences beforehand to create a vibe everyone will enjoy.
Speak to the team about hiring some great entertainment for your office party. We work to your budgets and make planning for a small office Christmas party easy.
Finally, let’s talk about gifts! A gift exchange can add a unique twist and create excitement.
Secret Santa is a beloved tradition where each person buys a gift for someone else without revealing their identity. Use an app or online generator to make it easy for everyone to draw names.
Set a spending limit to keep things fair, and don’t forget to encourage creativity with gifts. You might end up with some lovely surprises!
If Secret Santa isn’t your style, you can opt for a white elephant gift exchange, where participants bring a wrapped gift and can ‘steal’ gifts from others. It always leads to laughter and good-natured fun, with unexpected and sometimes quirky gifts!
There you have it! With a bit of planning and creativity, your office Christmas party can be the highlight of the season. Enjoy the festivities and make the most of this special time with colleagues. Let the holiday cheer begin!
Ready to make your small office Christmas party unforgettable? With HOMETAINMENT, you can bring the festive spirit to life with our 'In Office' services. From gourmet dining with private chefs to lively music from our talented performers, we offer bespoke entertainment options to boost morale and enhance team spirit. Plus, our entertainers and masterclasses add that extra touch of magic to your celebration.
Don't settle for the ordinary—get in touch to start planning an event that your colleagues will talk about well into the New Year!
Sign up to the HOMETAINMENT newsletter and be in with a chance to win a bartender at home.