Many businesses have an office party for the employees. Some have an inter-office party that is employee only while others have a larger party that includes spouses. Planning the office Christmas party is typically left up to the office manager or administrative coordinator who then feels responsible for making sure everyone is entertained. Finding a suitable venue is often the most taxing part of the process.
Christmas Party Venues
Once a budget is established, the venue will be the first item to be addressed. Party locations can be free or very costly, it all depends on the location. Some excellent ideas to look into are:
- Restaurants with private rooms – typically there is no charge due to the food and beverage bill.
- Small restaurants – often small restaurants will close for a private party.
- Museums or other local attractions – although some may be pricey, it is possible to find public locations that allow private gatherings for a nominal charge. For example, cities on the coast most likely have tour boats that can be rented for events.
- County parks – County parks often have shelters or even buildings with power that are available to rent for a small fee.
- Residential clubhouses – Many residential developments have amenity centers, ask around the office. Some Homeowner’s Associations will rent these out as long as one person at the party lives in the development.
- Hotels – Many hotels have banquet rooms available for rent. Some reduce the rate if on-site catering is used. If the company has out-of-town guests coming to the party, hotel venues work well. They can book their stay in the same place the party is and not have to drive around.
During the decision-making process make sure to determine how much room is needed, if power will be needed, what type arrangements are necessary for catering, what the limitations on decorations are, and what time the building or location needs to be vacated.
How Much Room is Needed
Before making a final decision on the venue it is important to know how much seating room will be needed and how much dancing or walking room will be needed.
If a full course, sit-down meal is being served then there will need to be enough seats for everyone to be seated at the same time. If it is mostly appetizers, plan on enough seating for at least 75% of the guests to be seated at one time. There are minglers at every party, those who never sit down and prefer to walk around talking to everyone.
Dancing room is another consideration to take into account. If there is going to be music, dancing room should be part of the floor plan. It is almost inevitable that there will be dancers if there is music. Dance floors can be rented or an area of the room can be designated for dancing without special flooring being brought in.
Once the venue has been decided the planning can move to the food, beverage and entertainment. The venue will set the tone for the party and should be considered carefully. Guests should be able to easily find the location without getting lost. Visit each venue and take pictures before making a final decision.
 |
