It’s time for the office Christmas party again, and it doesn’t have to be something you’re dreading. With a few tips and ideas from us at The Range, your office party will be remembered for all the right reasons. The only thing we can’t guarantee is that someone won’t drunkenly misuse the photocopier!
If you are tasked with planning the party this year, take most of the stress out of it by starting your preparations in the summer. In July or August, start gauging interest to see how many people want to come. This gives you a general idea of how much food and drink to organise. If you plan to host the party at the office, you might need to get permission to use the space for the event. Knowing the number of attendees early on helps building and business owners know what to expect.
If you prefer hiring an event venue, book as early as possible. Venues with large capacities fill up quickly, so secure your booking well in advance. Scope out several venues, check if the booking or event fee fits your budget, and make sure the venue can accommodate your group comfortably.
Ask around the office to find the best date for everyone. The earlier you plan, the more likely people are to attend before making other commitments.
Organising food and drinks for a large group can be expensive and overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Simply ask everyone to bring a dish or a bottle of drink. This way, everyone shares the cost and effort, and the organiser is not left footing the entire bill.
To keep track of who is bringing what, use a notebook or, better yet, create a shared spreadsheet. This makes it easy for everyone to see and helps avoid duplicates. Asking everyone to contribute also benefits those with dietary restrictions. People with allergies or specific diets can bring something they can enjoy. Just be sure to clearly label the food on party day
For extra inspiration, check out our article on Laying Your Table for a Buffet for useful buffet tips.
No Christmas party is complete without festive decorations like tinsel, baubles, and a Christmas tree taking centre stage. Gather some Christmas decorations from our extensive Christmas Decoration collection to make your venue feel magical.
For a sophisticated look, our Amber Charm decorations create a luxurious and modern atmosphere. If you want a fun and traditional vibe, decorate with our Candy Cane Lane theme for a sweet, festive feel. Browse all our Christmas Themes to find the perfect style for your party.
If you prefer something simple and classic, cover desks with tinsel and hang foil decorations from the ceiling and walls for that unmistakable holiday spirit.
Adding Christmas-themed activities will make your party more memorable and engaging. A popular choice is Secret Santa. Plan this about a month in advance so everyone has time to find the perfect gift.
Consider setting up a photo booth or photo area with fun props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and novelty glasses. Use unique decorations as a backdrop for festive photos that your coworkers will cherish.
For more active fun, try Christmas karaoke. After a few glasses of prosecco, it is guaranteed to be a hit. Another great idea is a Festive Scavenger Hunt. Divide people into teams and send them around the office to find Christmas-themed items such as a gingerbread house, an ugly Christmas jumper, or a golden bauble. This not only adds excitement but also encourages team bonding and builds stronger relationships.
Christmas Quiz Night: Prepare a quiz with festive trivia and fun facts. Offer small prizes for winning teams.
Ugly Christmas Jumper Contest: Encourage everyone to wear their ugliest Christmas sweater and award prizes for categories like funniest or most creative.
Holiday Craft Station: Set up a table with supplies for making Christmas cards, ornaments, or decorations.
Christmas Movie Corner: Create a cosy space with a Christmas movie screening and popcorn for those who want to relax.
Charity Drive: Incorporate giving back by collecting donations or gifts for a local charity, making the party meaningful beyond the fun.
After spending months planning, it is time to let your hair down and enjoy the party! Avoid staying in planning mode. Focus on having fun, playing cheesy Christmas tunes, and embracing the festive spirit. Remember, the heart of Christmas is about community, celebration, and making lasting memories.
