How to Throw a Holiday Office Party
By Laura Fagan Published November 2021
For many of us, this year will mark the return of the face-to-face holiday office party (cue the visual of Elaine’s ‘little kicks’ party dance) – and we are here for it! If you are breaking away from the virtual holiday happy hour, we are here to support with suggested tips for holiday office party preparation and planning. This holiday season, your office party may require more than a virtual meeting invite and guests not attending in pajama bottoms. We know it has been a while and things have certainly changed, so we have enlisted the help of our ABC Concierge Account Representative, Rachel Davis, who graciously shares a few tips and party tidbits to help you execute a flawless and festive holiday office party.
Party Tip #1 – Seek Input from Your Team Members
Your team members are the most important stakeholders for any holiday party, so seek their input. The holiday party is, of course, a time to pause, celebrate and recognize the hard work and dedication of any team. A quick survey of venue options, dates and times, dining and drink preferences as well as guest list ideas will provide voice and choice for the partygoers and earn kudos for the supervisor in charge of planning.
Party Tip #2 – Serve Drinks and Food
Drinks will not only be anticipated by your party guests, but also welcomed and appreciated. Your team absolutely deserves a fun and festive evening with a drink in hand – but, instead of a full, open bar we suggest an option that won’t leave anyone embarrassed come Monday morning. Consider preparing and providing drink tickets for your guests to enjoy along with the mingling and merriment. This means they can still have their cocktail or drink of choice, in moderation. Another timely and trending option is a hard seltzer bar. ABC has many options available to select from and hard seltzers are lower in ABV, allowing your guests to enjoy several drinks without worry.
If you need any other cocktail ideas, check out our batch cocktail recipes.
Party Tip # 3 – Schedule During Work Hours
One thing your employees will not want is an office party scheduled during their ‘off’ hours. A party scheduled during work hours will not only offer a reprieve of duties, but it will also send the message that their time is valued. We suggest a holiday brunch with a half workday, or alternatively, schedule the office party for the final hours of a Friday, sending your team into a relaxed weekend.
Party Tip # 4 – Party Gifts that Don’t Suck
Full transparency – no one wants a mini-bundt cake or an insulated travel mug. Period. Instead, a traditional Secret Santa will bring smiles - especially if your team shops at their local ABC store. Not only does ABC offer sip-worthy gifts for all occasions, but they also stock seasonal gift sets that feature sought after bottles paired with unique glassware, ice molds and mixing tools. Even better, for those last-minute shoppers, ABC offers e-gift cards that can be purchased and sent right to the recipient’s email. Egift cards also make great door or raffle prizes for your party.
Party Tip # 5 - Chat with Our Team
ABC’s Concierge Service has friendly and experienced team members that offer a large scope of party planning services including – free consultations, discounts, delivery and hassle-free returns to help you make this season’s party a perfect celebration.
Ready to build a bar for your holiday office party? Shop our selection here or reach out to our Concierge Team!