Last Minute Ideas to Make Your Holiday Party Stand Out

It happens to everyone. The holiday season creeps up on us and before you know it, it’s November! For us event planners, that usually comes with the annual task of planning a corporate holiday party.

We always want to keep both our stakeholders and attendees happy. So here comes the million-dollar question: how can I make my party different than last year. Even if you’ve already booked your venue, it’s not too late to add some last-minute ideas to make your holiday party stand out and keep your guests talking about it well into the new year.

Light it Up

Depending on how big your party – and your budget – is, lighting is the easiest and most effective way to add décor to your event. If your guest list is rather small and intimate, tasteful string lights carried throughout the ceiling would be a nice touch to add a twinkle effect. Or, if you have a large space for a lot of people, you can really knock it out of the park and video map a snowy winter background across the walls to give that true holiday party feel.

Add an Instagram Wall

One of the most fun and trendy additions, a decorative wall to take Instagram selfies and group snapshots is an easy way to get your party on social media. For the holidays, get creative with ornaments, greenery, or tinsel. You can even add props like reindeer ears, Santa hats, or party horns to engage your guests.

Bust a Move at Your Holiday Party

What’s a party without music? This event is probably the one time of year everyone at your company can let their hair down together. Give your guests something to dance to with a curated playlist of tunes that’ll keep them going long into the night. Don’t forget to protect yourself from any legal issues by using music that is licensed for public performance. 

Keep the Menu Simple

Holiday parties are a great time for guests to mingle with coworkers they might not see every day. This year, forgo a plated meal and opt for a cocktail-style reception with food stations. Not only is it a great way to get your guests interacting in a mixer-style fashion, but it’s also an easy way to address food allergies and dietary restrictions.

Leave it to Your Venue Team

Because they’ve planned countless holiday parties in their space, developing a relationship with your onsite venue partner during the process is key. The experts on your venue team not only understand your vision, but can bring other ideas to the table that you may not have thought of before to add that extra spark. Just like the rest of your coworkers, you’ve worked hard all year long. Don’t miss out on your own party by stressing over the details throughout the event!

The Wrap Up

The simplest additions to your holiday party can leave a lasting impression. Talk to your venue and AV team today about how you can incorporate these ideas to make your next holiday party the best yet.