A Great Date

No, we’re not talking about some great arm candy. The perfect day for your event will allow for your guests to appreciate the event without cutting into the already packed holiday schedule.  

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your date and time.  A Friday can be turned into a half day with the party in the evening. Sunday night might be a perfect time for your employees to be ready to party. Be conscious of your employees’ personal lives as well. If your office takes off the week of Christmas, you may not want to schedule an event when everyone is already heading out of town. Similarly, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is convenient, but not quite in the spirit of the season yet.

For those in the Boston area, it is worth considering a snow plan.  Although plows and salted roads can get people far, a blizzard may keep your guests at home rather than at your excellent event.  Be prepared to work some holiday magic in case you need a Plan B.

Food

No holiday season is complete without a few extra pounds gained from cookies and punch.  Make sure to keep people happy with light snacks or a full-plated meal, depending on the formality and length of your event.  For a large company with a program of events, a served dinner will work best. A friendly gathering of a small business might fare well with hor d’oeuvres.  Or perhaps a buffett is more your speed? Whatever it is, be sure to schedule a tasting with your venue. And don’t forget about common dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, lactose intolerant or gluten free.  When in doubt, ask! Your employees and guests will be pleased to know their needs will be accommodated for.

Decorations

The most wonderful time of the year is not complete without decorations. It might be too much to put a tree in your cubicle, but a beautifully decorated venue will put your guests in the holiday spirit and earn you some great photos for your marketing department to use.  Look for a venue that will help with decorations or let you add your personal touch to their established decorations. Classic reds, whites, golds and blues are always a hit with guests and photographers. Check out your venue’s Instagram or Flickr account for photos of past holiday seasons.

Activities

It can be a struggle to keep Ken from accounting away from the bar or Sue from marketing from repeating the same story over and over.  One way to keep your employees happy and entertained could be the addition of activities to your party. Something as simple as bingo or as complex as a mystery tour will give your guests something to do and encourage them to stay an extra ten minutes.  Activities are by no means necessary, but they will keep your guests excited about what is around the corner and remind them that they are here to celebrate friendships, not keep working after hours.

Favors

The season of giving is not complete without a small token for your guests.  Something as small as a coffee mug or a donation to charity in the name of the company will give your employees something to smile about on the car ride home and into the new year.  Checking out customizable goodies or a yummy treat for those in attendance will give an extra smile without a ton of financial dedication.

If you are looking for a great place to host your holiday party, be sure to explore the options of MIT Endicott House.  From dedicated event planners, historically beautiful grounds and excellent location, you can be assured that your holiday party will be one for the history books, or at least the Facebook page.  Contact MIT Endicott House today.