Appraisals and bosses are correlated and so is your popularity in the team and otherwise. And what better way to get both these aspects soaring than organising a Christmas party for your colleagues?
A great weather, jolly mood and festive feel are the perfect setting for a celebration. But organising Christmas parties is no child’s play. So here is a dossier that might help you get it just right.
The number of guests
If you work for a small company, you must call all your colleagues. However, if you work in a huge conglomerate with thousands of employees, it is only rational to be choosy. As a relatively safe figure, anything between 50 to 100 guests should be fine, as it’ll neither get too crowded nor would you be left alone to clean things up. Not to forget, a rationed gathering is your best bet to protect your company’s bottom line.
Location
While having your office all draped in the colours of celebration is a super idea, for those who can’t should ensure that your venue is not too far from the office. Make sure there is enough space for everyone to have fun. Don’t exaggerate the need for space too much as you might end up being a small huddle in the centre of a big hall.
Timing
Start planning for the party well in advance so that it doesn’t come as a surprise to people. Many people will have several parties to attend during this time, so dates may clash. Do a quick hands-up poll around the office and check if people would prefer to go to the party venue straight from work or go home to change and return for the party.
Timing
Start planning for the party well in advance so that it doesn’t come as a surprise to people. Many people will have several parties to attend during this time, so dates may clash. Do a quick hands-up poll around the office and check if people would prefer to go to the party venue straight from work or go home to change and return for the party.
Food
The issue of food can be a major cause of concern at a Christmas party, especially for vegetarians. Don’t forget to add some popular snacks for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. And don’t underestimate the importance of drinks — decide on the presence of alcohol in line with your budget, although it is a given in office parties.
Party games
Games have the wonderful ability to add more fun to a party. Office colleagues especially can have a lot of fun together through these games. Make sure that you involve all your guests in the party games. Some exciting and amusing games can keep boredom at bay, make the party atmosphere more lively and fill your guests with the energy and humour so needed to make this Christmas party an affair to remember for everyone in your office.
Dance
Parties without music tend to be dull. Never forget to arrange for a good sound system, all the better if it has a sing-along facility. Choose good music numbers prior to the party. Remember that the selection depends not only on your choice but the general taste and age of your guests. It is an added bonus if you can be the DJ or get a friend to do it for you, But if that’s not possible, you can always hire a professional if you are ready to spend the extra money.
While throwing a party and letting everyone have a lot of fun is a sure shot way to get popular but there is a flip side to it as well. If everything does not go as planned, you are in for some nasty comments that can last for quite some time. So it is better to plan the party well and include some other members for organising it so that you are not the only one to take the blame if things don’t go as per plan.
May you have a fantastic appraisal!