Holiday party planning tips
Filterfresh Coffee Service (www.filterfresh.com), a provider of coffee and coffee services to offices nationwide, offers these tips to help you create the perfect mix of good times and good behavior during your next office holiday party.
* Enlist elves. Ask your more social staff members to form a committee to plan the party. This is guaranteed to result in less complaining and higher employee satisfaction.
* Take it out of the office. It’s difficult for staff to get into the holiday spirit when surrounded by desks, computers, and reminders of work to be done. Hold the party at a restaurant or hotel or a more offbeat location, such as an art gallery or loft.
* ‘Tis the season for giving. Have all employees donate gifts to a charitable organization instead of exchanging gifts with each other.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
* Choose foods carefully. Select foods that can be eaten neatly with one hand and while standing up. Stay away from salty or greasy foods that provoke thirst, which will make guests want to drink more.
* Plan activities. One idea is to have each employee select the name of a co-worker to toast. The toasts can be serious or humorous so that they pay tribute to the person as well as their achievements.
* Listen to the music. If a band or DJ doesn’t fit into the budget, be sure there’s a quality sound system available to play CDs that will appeal to the group. Ask employees to bring in their favorite CDs. Music helps create a festive atmosphere.
* Provide festive and nonalcoholic drinks for your teetotaling guests. Soft drinks, coffee, and other nonalcoholic beverages make all guests feel welcome, regardless of what they drink.
* Be responsible. Arrange for taxis or designated drivers to make sure all guests get home safely.
COPYRIGHT 2005 OfficeVision, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
