By Don Crass
If your company holiday parties have become a little ho hum over the years, perhaps it is time to shake things up a bit. Consider adopting a theme to help this year’s party to be the best yet. Spread the word that this year’s party is “A Winter Wonderland” and let the good times begin !
The DJ
Hiring a DJ for this type of party can make the difference between a night to remember and a night too quickly forgotten. The DJ does more than play the songs you hope to hear. It is important to realize that he or she will actually set the pace for the night and guide the guests through an evening of fun. Trust the DJ to encourage the wallflowers to participate in the evening’s various activities, to draw attention to particular highlights during the night, to coordinate the meal and generally just ensure that all party guests have a wonderful time.
The Decor
Set the stage for an evening of fun by decking the halls in wintry decor. Light blue and white are a perfect color scheme for a winter theme. Use this combination wherever you have a color choice to make: the table linens, drink napkins, etc. Sprinkle sparkling white confetti here and there and drape as many things as you can think of in shiny white tree garland. Add a few well placed snowmen (from the local craft store) and you will have transformed the room into the perfect winter scene.
The Music
Christmas music will of course be the choice for the night, but consider including classic carols from Sinatra and his contemporaries to really bring out the theme of the night.
The Games
Too many games can take a corporate party from professional to elementary in a hurry, but some clever and well chosen activities might be just the thing to get everyone into the spirit of the night.
Consider a snowman contest. Place a gift bag of “snowman supplies” at each table. The “snow” can be a container of white modeling clay for kids. The snowman’s accessories can be fashioned from various other craft supplies you will include in the bag such as buttons, modeling clay in other colors, bits of fabric, etc. Choose an impartial judge and award a prize to all members of the winning table.
Set up a cookie decorating station to help everyone relax a bit and get creative. Just provide a table full of baked, snowman shaped sugar cookies along side a tray of decorating supplies such as frosting and colored candies and let guests have fun trying to outdo each other’s creations.
Extra Touches
You’ll likely pay close attention to the most important details such as the DJ and the decor, but don’t overlook the importance of the little extras. Why not use plastic snow globes with each guest’s name attached as place cards? Serve roasted chestnuts as an appetizer. Ask the caterer to include some warm drinks on the cocktail list. What about setting up a wintry background and hiring a photographer to give guests the chance to get a nice photo with their significant other in time for the holiday cards? Little extras like these will definitely add to the fun.
The company party doesn’t have to be a dreaded holiday commitment. With a clever theme, a well chosen DJ and a bit of creativity, this annual party can become the social event of the season.
Don Crass is a professional Houston disc jockey with over 10 years of experience and co-owner of RetroDJtoGo, LLC located in Houston, Texas.
