Make a Great Holiday Office Party for Less

Just become times are tough should not limit your holiday fun.

Many companies feel it might be easier to not hold a Company Christmas Party that to do something different.

This is a time to challenge how you look at your people and value the money you spend. As long as your company doesn't waste money on lavish expenditures then reducing your Holiday party costs should go unnoticed.

Here are my tips for giving more while spending less.

1. Personalization - Owners, bosses, team leaders need to hand write personal cards stating what that person has meant to the company this year and going forward. Specifically state reasons why you are proud them being there, not just "Thanks for your hard work."
Cost: Cards & time
Value: Huge

2. At the Party Mix in fun activities and games so that few people have to think about what might be missing. If they are busy laughing, smiling and relaxing then who has time to be grumpy. Games: Here are a variety of Holiday printable games including Trivia, Word Finds, Bingo, Charades. And here are Christmas Gift Exchange Games, plus Holiday Scavenger Hunts for families and more.

3. Food - Don't go cheap on the food, bring in something you know will be good and safe. So pass on the $4 gourmet chocolate covered preztels, $3 cookies or $2 chocolate squares. A good meal is always enjoyed.

4. Decorations and Music
Balloons, lights, tree - keep it simple borrow from someone rather than buy.
Borrow music, holiday cd or ask someone to mix a Holiday cd for the event.
A nice addition (if within a budget) is a holiday scene setter. This is a photo opportunity for guests and can also be a place for happy memories to be made. These can run $60 to $100+.

5. Last the owner or bosses need to tell everyone at the party that it has been a tough year and together we have succeed by...
"and when I reflect on this year I realize it's the people here, in this room, who make this business special..."
(Let the team know their value - among friends and family)

Let's face it everyone knows times are tough but it doesn't mean you have to give less effort to a successful Holiday Party, it means you need to give more. Be creative, take risks and be yourself.

Happy Holidays
Sarah - The Party Game Ideas Lady