Contributed by Nina Simons
Parties are always a bit stressful during the organization - you want it to be perfect and for each guest to be amazed by it. With corporate parties, you are trying to create a great evening for various types of people who may not know each other that well. But it doesn't mean it's an unachievable task - the following tips will help you throw a great corporate party that the staff will talk about for months to come. The key is in the unexpected party details.
Party time is not just any time!
It's important to schedule the party well ahead of time but it's also important to be smart about the period you choose. Many companies prefer parties in December just before the New Year or after Christmas. However, the holidays can be quite exhausting so it will be a better option to throw a party after the New Year when the staff had some time to recover. People feel more energized in January, at the start of a new year.
A place where the magic will happen
The venue should be one of the first things to decide on. Bear in mind that you will have a lot of difficulties changing it if you realize you've made a mistake. You will have to work with what you have, so choose carefully. Make sure the venue isn't too large - you don't want to be surrounded by too much empty space so that the party looks like a failure. On the other hand, you don't want the space to be too crowded so that the guests feel claustrophobic. Another thing to bear in mind is that the venue should have available parking space. If it's too complicated to get there or there's no room for the cars, many guests could easily pass on the invitation.
Every man to his taste - take the saying seriously
When it comes to food and beverage, the most important thing to have in mind is that not everybody is the same. So, you need to come up with a menu that offers both various types of meat and vegetarian meals. It would be a disaster if any of the guests would go home hungry because their allergies or food preferences were not taken into consideration. Inform yourself on this before you draw up the menu. Finally, decorating food is a must - you want to make your guests smile when they look at the foods, right?
Similarly, not everybody will drink alcohol, so offer them interesting non-alcoholic beverages like fresh dark grape juice or fresh lemonade with lime and mint. The wider choice you have, the more people will be pleased. As far as alcoholic beverages go, don't stick to just two or three options but try to include unexpected choices like gin, tequila and rum, too. Of course, one cannot throw a party without offering cocktails as well.
Let this party started - party themes
Every part should follow a specific theme. There are many options to choose from, just keep in mind
what type of people the majority of guests will be. Let it be something unexpected, fun and surprising and you'll definitely have a lot of attendees.
Elegant lounge party
People like fancy parties so why not create a feeling of luxury and elegance? Providing furniture for cocktail lounges around the venue will allow guests to form small groups where they could comfortably sit, enjoy chatting and drinking. Adding lovely rustic carts that can be pushed around will create an impression of having a party in an expensive Victorian castle.
Summer BBQ party
You can go the opposite way by organizing a summer barbeque party (if you opt for a summer party) - it instantly creates a familiar atmosphere. Everybody enjoys a good summer outdoor party. Your guests will feel like they are in somebody's backyard, having a relaxing evening with colleagues. Add white tents around the venue, place picnic tables covered with traditional table cloths and add checkered blankets and balloons.
Carnival-themed party
Every once in a while, people like to be reminded of their childhood. That's why a carnival-themed party would instantly bring joy. Hire a professional clown or a magician to wander around the venue, entertaining the guests. Add fun game stations, for example, a ring toss and a photo booth.
Luau
Even if it's the middle of winter, why not bring a bit of sunshine to your employees? It will feel like being
on a vacation, at least for one night if you use tropical florals as decoration, pink flamingos and leis. And it won't complete unless you get grass table skirts for those who want to "get into the role".
Final comment
A memorable corporate party involves the element of surprise, a carefully planned menu of food and drinks and practical elements which help things run smoothly. Your hard work will pay off if you include all of these elements - the smile on your employees' faces will be worth the trouble.