It’s that time of year again! The holiday season is approaching fast, and your company’s annual holiday party will be here before you know it.
We recommend planning a few months in advance to ensure a stress-free event. That way, you have plenty of time to survey your team for a date that fits everyone’s calendar and secure a beautiful venue space.
Once the budget and timelines are set, you can begin to focus on all the charming details that make up a fun-filled party your team won’t soon forget!
To help you plan, we’re sharing our top 5 tips for throwing a dazzling company holiday party:
Book a versatile venue space
Choose a decor theme
Plan your food and drink menu
Secure a live band or DJ
Prepare party favors
Need an Affordable Venue for Your Company Holiday Party?
Look no further than Modern Moments. We’re the perfect venue to host this year’s holiday festivities!
Our ½-acre outdoor space comes with a large event lawn and stage, gorgeous inlaid brick patio, and spacious amphitheater that accommodates up to 300 guests. Enjoy dining, gifts, and laughter-filled speeches beneath twinkling string lights and greenery-wrapped garlands. Or head inside to the comfort of our indoor bar and seating area, which can comfortably seat 60 people.
Need a little help planning? We have a curated list of preferred vendors, including local caterers, bartenders, decor rentals, and more. We also have an event planner who can bring your vision to life and assist with everything from organizing vendors to the day-of setup.
Book a free tour of the property today, and we’ll be happy to review pricing and availability. We can even do weeknight holiday parties! Host a party on a Thursday night, and gift your team the next Friday off.
Book a Versatile Venue Space
Just like in real estate, location is crucial to your holiday party’s success. Pick a venue that provides a versatile layout. Whether your company is big or small, you’ll want space that is convenient for your employees to get to and has a relaxing atmosphere for mingling. After all, holiday parties are for celebrating and thanking your employees for all their hard work the past year!
When searching for venues, check to see that they can accommodate:
Various table configurations (e.g.round tables, rectangular L-shaped layouts, etc.)
Multiple dining options, such as room for buffet lines or seated meals
Both indoor and outdoor spaces, in the event of inclement weather
Monday-Friday bookings, as weeknight holiday parties are often convenient for teams compared to weekends
Furthermore, ask if they allow personalized decor like decorative backdrops, bar setups, photo booths, and other custom pieces that may require a flexible space. Online photos can sometimes make a space look bigger, so make sure to book an in-person tour and get confirmation about the physical space and any use permissions.
Choose a Decor Theme
When holiday parties are thrown together last minute, they can sometimes feel bland or kitschy. However, when you put some thought into the design with personalized touches, you can make your holiday party truly sparkle. They’re more memorable and also help your employees feel appreciated and glad they attended this year’s celebration.
To take your holiday party to the next level, we recommend choosing a decor theme to tie everything together. For example, you might go with a black and white theme and utilize holiday decor items that go against the traditional red and green color palette. Or, have fun with a “holiday luau” that incorporates Hawaiian-themed decorations.
Search for “holiday party themes” on Google, Pinterest, or Instagram, and you’ll find no shortage of decor themes to choose from. Modern Moments can also help you get inspiration and ideas. Our professional event planner has over 20 years of experience helping companies of all sizes and industries throw beautiful, customized holiday parties. Contact us for a free in-person tour, or give us a call at (480) 347-9687 today.
We also host monthly open houses where we showcase our vendor partners and decor centerpieces. Visit our events page to learn more, or RSVP to this month’s event. They’re free and welcome to all!
Plan Your Food and Drink Menu
Let’s face it, delicious food and drinks motivate most people to attend an event, and holiday parties are no exception. To entice a higher number of RSVPs, plan your food and drink menu in advance and then provide the details on your party invite.
If you’re hiring a caterer and/or bartender (which we definitely recommend!), make sure they offer options suitable for various dietary requirements and alcohol-free drink options for your employees who don’t drink. You should also inquire about how they will set up their spread since the presentation of food and drinks is half the fun for guests!
Planning to source or bring your own food and drinks? Some easy options that dazzle include:
Cheese plates and charcuterie boards
Bruschettas and tapenades
Decorative fruit platters
Chocolate fountains
Cupcake, profiterole, or doughnut towers
Festive cocktails with garnishes
Mulled cider or hot chocolate mugs
And so much more!
Again, a quick Google search for “holiday party food and drinks” will bring up plenty of ideas for your next brainstorm. And if you need some help sourcing locally owned and vetted options, check out our list of preferred vendors. They all come highly rated!
Secure a Live Band or DJ
We recommend securing music in some form for your holiday party, whether that be jazz musicians, a folksy cover band, or a DJ with a pre-approved playlist.
Although it can seem like an unnecessary expense, music is a great way to bring people out of their shells and lift their spirits. Especially after the last few years if your team is remote and has spent significant time apart.
At Modern Moments, we guarantee our sound system will set the perfect mood for your company’s holiday party for either dancing the night away or setting an elegant atmosphere. To see for yourself, book a free tour of our indoor and outdoor venues today. We can also send some trusted live band or DJ referrals your way!
Prepare Party Favors
Lastly, it’s important to leave your employees with a little thank you for attending. Prepare some goodie bags or party favors with items like:
Holiday candy, chocolate, or popcorn
Company branded swag (e.g., pens, journals, mugs, water bottles)
Scented holiday candles
Spiced coffee or hot cocoa blend
Gift cards
It’s the thought that counts, so take stock of your team’s preferences and plan your favors accordingly.
Gift bags look beautiful when lined up together, so incorporate your design theme and brand when choosing gift wrap and ribbon.
Reserve Modern Moments for Your Upcoming Holiday Party.
Conveniently located off US-60 in the heart of Phoenix’s East Valley, Modern Moments is a charming event venue for businesses small and large. Contact us today if you’re looking to throw an unforgettable holiday party. We’re proud to offer affordable rates, versatile indoor/outdoor space, and professional event planning services. When you book with us, you can expect a stunning holiday party that will run smoothly from start to finish!
We have a large private outdoor space for dining tables, catered buffet lines, and a spacious amphitheater and stage. We also have convenient indoor amenities like a zoned kitchen area, a 24-foot indoor refreshment bar, and modern restrooms just steps away.
Call us at (480) 347-9687 or click below to schedule a free tour today. Our attentive event staff would love to show you around, answer your questions, and help you plan a dazzling holiday party for your team!