The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Corporate Holiday Party Planning

We know, we know. There isn’t even a hint of briskness in the air yet but, believe it or not, now is the time to start planning if you’re in charge of the holiday party for work. Don’t worry – this doesn’t need to be an overwhelming task. The Lansdowne Resort team of expert event planners has wrapped up a step-by-step checklist to make the job easier – and make the party you plan a true gift for all:

1. Coordinate with Your C-Suite
   You absolutely should not select a party date before ensuring your top executives can make it. That would be a bad look for them and certainly not the best career move for you. So, whether you have a president that takes an annual ski trip or an owner that heads to the tropics around the end of the year, you need to place giant Xs over those days in the calendar and choose a remaining date they can all attend.
   
   
2. Send a Save The Date
   As soon as you’ve secured a date you know your VIPs can be in attendance for, you should send a formal save-the-date communication to all employees so they can mark their own calendars in this busy social season.
   
   
3. Be Aware of Your Budget
   While there are nearly endless company holiday party ideas, your options will be dictated by how much you have to spend. Your budget drives decisions about what type of event you want to host and who can be in attendance – whether it’s a casual lunch for employees only, a semi-formal reception with hand-served hors d’oeuvres or a formal sit-down dinner complete with live entertainment for employees and their plus-ones.
   
   
4. Hunt for Holiday Party Venues
   With your date, budget and estimated guest count in hand, it’s time to find the perfect party venue. You’re looking for a convenient location with easy accessibility for your attendees, an event space with the right capacity and style for your gathering and a team of on-site professionals that will guide you through every step of the planning and execution of your party – all the way through the last guest’s departure. The sooner you reserve your space, the better, as event venues book quickly around the holidays.
   
   
5. Vie for Vendors
   Just as event venues are entering their busy season, so are all of the other professionals you need to hire to pull off your vision for the corporate holiday party. Now is the time to find your florist, decide on a DJ (or locate a live band) and pick out a photographer.
   
   
6. Collaborate with Your Caterer
   When you host a spectacular seasonal gathering – or any event – at Lansdowne Resort, you’re not locked into a set menu. Our on-site catering team is pleased to work with you on holiday party menu ideas customized to your group. This is important because, as everyone knows, the food makes the party.

Our expert event planners are happy to share even more insights – as well as tapping into their vast experience to provide guidance on unique holiday party ideas. You can begin the conversation here.