Rosie Hyam, People Partner at Just Eat for Business
The festivities have begun. The office chat is increasingly buzzing with festive party anticipation and employees are eagerly waiting to socialise with colleagues and celebrate another year. As it’s the first time we’re back celebrating properly since the pandemic began, there’s pressure on founders and office staff to create the best office Christmas yet. Yes, you may have your party idea, but what about the extras that make it one to remember?
How are you making sure everyone’s included? How are you keeping your team full of festive treats? These are all questions that you should be thinking about as December draws near.
This simple checklist and selection of add-ons can help you throw a fantastic festive party (and make the whole month one to celebrate):
1.Plan ahead
Deciding on whether to have the party on a weekday or during the weekend can be a deal-breaker. Some employees may not find it appealing to use up their free time to spend with colleagues while some might already have travel plans. Make sure to propose 2 or 3 dates and go with what will make the majority of the employees happy. Once this is figured out, set a date in the diary ASAP to ensure as many people as possible are able to come.
2.Pre-event nibbles
Most likely you’ll be heading from the office to the venue – so bridging the gap between eating from afternoon to night is key. Ensure you’ve got plenty of nibbles in the office that staff can dip into whilst having a chat. Putting them in one place such as a communal area can encourage more people across teams to interact, rather than restricting them to their same desks within their teams.
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3.After party breakfast
Perk up your team with a morning-after breakfast. Whether it’s a Disco Hash or Greasy Spoon breakfast from Breakfast Club, or a Blueberry Overnight Oats or Oat Milk Porridge from Crussh – it’s a great way to catch up on the party and replenish your team ready for the day ahead.
4.Party planning 101: Theme, theme, theme!
Picking a theme for your festivities can often ‘make’ a party as it gives the guests some clues on what the dress code is and what to anticipate. It will also give guidance on decisions such as food, beverages, decorations and entertainment.
When picking a theme, consider the team preferences, age, mood, location, budget, etc. Don’t just limit yourself to classic and obvious ones such as North Pole, Polar Express,…The choice is yours!
5.Pop-up treats
This year, we’ve seen a growing trend for communal lunches across London’s offices, with interactive food pop-up orders increasing over 200% on 2021. To keep the festivities alive throughout December, why not bring a food vendor to pop up in your office’s corner? It’s the perfect way to encourage colleagues away from their desks for a few quality moments and a chance to try new cuisines.
Hosting an end-of-year party to navigate the festivities across teams can be challenging and requires much thought and organisation. However, with a few steps such as planning ahead, choosing a theme, and having a great selection of food and entertainment, it can be easier to host an enjoyable and fun festive party for everyone.
