The company holiday party is a chance to thank your team, celebrate the year's wins, and build morale heading into the new year. But planning one that people actually enjoy — without blowing the budget or creating HR headaches — takes some thought. Here's how to get it right.
Start with the Basics
Set your budget early. Most companies spend $50-150 per person on holiday parties, depending on company size and culture. Know your number before you start planning — it drives every other decision.
Pick a date. December fills up fast. Book venues in September or October for best availability. Consider timing: a party too close to the holidays competes with personal commitments. Early December or even late November often works better.
Day or evening? Lunch parties are shorter and less expensive, with no alcohol concerns. Evening parties feel more celebratory but require more planning. Friday evenings or Saturday nights are most popular.
Choosing a Venue
Restaurant private rooms: Good for smaller teams (under 40). Limited customization but convenient. Watch for minimum spend requirements that may exceed your budget.
Office parties: Budget-friendly but can feel like 'just another day at work.' If you go this route, transform the space — different lighting, catered food, clear boundaries between party and workspace.
Dedicated event venues: Best for 50+ guests. Professional service, full catering and bar, space for activities or dancing. All-inclusive pricing makes budgeting predictable.
Key questions for venues: What's included in the per-person price? Is there a venue fee? What's the bar package? Can we bring awards or do presentations? What's the overtime charge if the party runs long?
Food and Drinks
Buffet vs. plated: Buffets work well for holiday parties — people can mingle, eat at their pace, and enjoy variety. Plated service feels more formal but keeps people seated longer.
Dietary considerations: Always have vegetarian options. Ask about allergies in your RSVP. A good venue can accommodate most dietary needs with advance notice.
Alcohol: Open bar is standard for evening holiday parties. Consider a drink ticket system if budget is tight. Always have good non-alcoholic options — not just soda. Some team members don't drink, and they shouldn't feel like afterthoughts.
Making It Fun (Without Being Cringe)
Skip forced activities. Mandatory team-building exercises feel like work. If you do games, make them optional and low-pressure.
Music matters. A good playlist or DJ keeps energy up. Avoid anything too loud for conversation during dinner, then increase volume for dancing if your crowd is into it.
Photo opportunities: A simple backdrop or photo booth gives people something to do and creates shareable memories. Doesn't have to be expensive.
Awards and recognition: If you're doing year-end awards, keep them brief. People tune out after 10 minutes of speeches. Focus on genuine recognition, not forced humor.
Plus-Ones and Families
This is a judgment call. Including significant others creates a more social atmosphere but doubles your headcount and budget. Some companies do adults-only for the main party and a separate family event earlier in the season.
Whatever you decide, be clear in the invitation. 'Employees only' or 'Employees and one guest' — ambiguity creates awkwardness.
Timeline for Planning
- September-October: Book venue, set date, establish budget
- November: Send invitations, collect RSVPs, finalize menu
- 2 weeks before: Confirm headcount with venue, finalize details
- 1 week before: Send reminder with parking and logistics info
- Day of: Arrive early, brief the venue on any presentations or special moments
Corporate Holiday Parties at Branches
Branches hosts company holiday parties for groups of 30-200 throughout Monmouth County. Our corporate packages include venue, buffet or plated dinner, bar service, and dedicated coordination. We handle the logistics so your team can focus on celebrating.
Planning your company's holiday party? Contact us early — December dates book fast.
