Tips for a Throwing a Great Holiday Office Party

How many times have you attended a lame office party where you've been forced to play embarrassing games and socialize over a few sad-looking pizzas?

This year, throw a holiday party that your employees will truly enjoy and appreciate. It's your chance to show them how much you value the work they've done all year, so make it special. Here are some do's and don'ts t0 will help you get started.

Do: Plan Ahead
Try to find out what time works for the majority of your employees. Either during lunch or directly after work tends to be best so that everyone can come straight from the office and still catch a train home at the end of the night.

Also, ask around to see what different departments have going on this time of year. You don't want to plan your party for the same night that human resources stays late to run payroll.

Don't: Announce it the day before.
Give your employees plenty of time to arrange for babysitters, make any dishes they plan on bringing (if you're having a potluck), and double check their evening train schedules. And don't schedule your event for a Saturday. Holding parties late in the evening or on weekends can be difficult for those who have children, pets or other outside responsibilities.

Do: Get Input
Find out what your employees would like to do. Is there one activity that everyone agrees on: bowling, karaoke, or paintball? Try to find an activity ahead of time what would be different, fun and that your whole office would enjoy. If you plan ahead, you may even be able to take advantage of a Groupon or discount that would allow you to hold your party off-site.

Don't: Expect the Party to Plan Itself
As I mentioned earlier, ordering a few pizzas and sticking them in the lunchroom does not a holiday party make. You need to find a way to get everyone involved, whether it's through an activity or by having employees contribute a dish to pass. This is your chance to bring everyone in your office together to celebrate the year's accomplishments, so give it some thought.

Do: Plan Expenses in Advance
Calculate your expenses in advance and see if you can afford to have your company pick up the tab. If not, let your employees know when they RSVP how much the event will be per person, and have them pay in advance. The event will go much smoother for everyone if finances are taken care of ahead of time.

Don't: Wait to Pay the Tab
If you're holding your party off-site and employees will be ordering food and beverages from an a la carte menu, make sure they have their own tabs, or you set a pre-fixe menu or have a buffet. If everyone is ordering on the same bill (and if people are indulging in a few celebratory libations), trying to split it up at the end of the evening can be a nightmare.

Do: Have a Spouse Policy
Decide in advance whether or not you want your employees to bring spouses or significant others, or if the party is employees-only. Having partners attend can be a great opportunity to meet that special person your colleague talks about all day. On the flip side, it may not be affordable for every office.

Don't: Ask Your Co-Worker Why He/She Didn't Bring Her Spouse
There's nothing worse than finding out at the event that you were welcome to bring your partner to the event. Whatever you decide to do, you need to make it clear and you need to let employees know ahead of time.

Do: Find a Way to Recognize Employees
It's the end of the year. Now's your chance to remind employees of your company goals, accomplishments, and what's on the horizon. Recognizing your employees, either through fun mock awards or serious team shout-outs, can help them re-energize for the new year.

Don't: Wait Until The Last Minute
If you are going to recognize your employees, try to do it early in the evening, when everyone is still there and not three sheets to the wind …yet.