Skift Take
On this week’s Skift Meetings Podcast, two industry experts share inspiring ideas for a fun holiday party.
Andrea Doyle
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While many of us may be in the midst of a heatwave, now is the time to start planning holiday gatherings.
Carrie Davenport, lead events manager at Altria and host of the podcast “Like an #EventBoss,” and Jaki Baskow, CEO of Las Vegas Speakers Bureau and Baskow Talent, share holiday party ideas.
“You want your holiday parties to be upbeat, fun and interactive so people want to go,” Davenport says.
Key Points
Start with the date
First things first, start by picking a date: Christmas this year is on Wednesday, Dec. 25, Hanukkah also starts on Dec. 25 and ends the evening of Jan. 2, and Kwanzaa starts on Dec. 26 and runs through Jan. 1. Though it’s busy, the first two weeks of December are ideal, Davenport says.
The last week of November should be fine, and Davenport said it could be cheaper than December.
Davenport advises against booking your event as a “holiday party.” “You might be able to charge less if you don’t call it a holiday party or a corporate party,” she says.
What is the theme?
The theme you choose for your holiday gathering will dictate the decorations and the food and drink. One option Davenport and Baskow recommend is a winter wonderland, which creates an inclusive atmosphere. The theme should appeal to everyone, not just followers of a particular culture or religion.
Another fun idea is a “ugly sweater party” where attendees come dressed in their wackiest holiday sweaters.
Food & Beverage
Once you’ve booked your venue and chosen your theme, it’s time to think about the food.
“As an event planner, I rarely order from a menu. I usually go directly to the chef, and I love that because chefs like to get creative,” Davenport says.
If your gathering is only for a few hours, consider just appetizers and drinks — if it’s longer, bring a full meal.
“Feeding people well is my No. 1 secret to success in the meetings industry,” Davenport says. “If you feed people well and feed them well, they’re happy.”
Grazing tables or buffet-style food are preferred because they give people a chance to walk around and interact with one another. “Holiday parties should be an opportunity to socialize and meet people you haven’t seen all year,” Davenport says.
Make sure you have options for people with dietary restrictions: have vegan, vegetarian and nut-free options readily available.
Desserts and drinks
Don’t forget dessert. This is a great place to get creative. Hot chocolate bars are all the rage. Serve different kinds of hot chocolate with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint sticks, etc.
Holiday-themed cocktails and mocktails are fun and include eggnog, mulled wine, cranberry mojitos and holiday margaritas. A custom cocktail made just for the gathering is a nice touch, Baskow says.
If you’re serving alcohol, make arrangements for your guests to get home safely – Uber or transportation should be provided. “As a meeting planner, you have to think about all of these things. Have you considered all the scenarios?” asks Davenport.
Candy stations are always a hit, Baskow says. “Make it colorful with different kinds of candy and have little boxes for guests to fill up. People want something to take home,” Baskow says. Davenport adds that she creates doughnut and champagne walls for events and they’re always a big hit.
Entertainment
Some of the most popular corporate entertainment choices for holiday parties include karaoke, bands, comedians and, of course, Santa Claus, who Davenport arranged for to “appear” as a hologram.
Atmospheric LED characters like stilt walkers, ball walkers and jugglers are a fun addition, Baskow says. She often books The Drumots, the official drum line of the Golden Knights, for client gatherings in Las Vegas. “The best events have the element of surprise; sometimes we’ll have the CEO of the company dress up as one of the drummers for a big reveal,” Baskow says. Another favorite is Bella Electric Strings, a troupe of more than 25 electric violinists.
Interactivity
A very popular DIY bar allows attendees to decorate sweaters and hats and create their own floral bouquets. Seasonal flowers are encouraged, and adding pine boughs for an evergreen scent ensures a successful event that engages all the senses, Davenport says.
A custom holiday cookie station, where attendees’ faces are imprinted on cookies, is a new offering, Baskow said.
Machines that can print images or logos on frothed milk can make coffee and hot chocolate stands even more memorable, and robots can be fun additions to get-togethers, acting as bartenders or baristas, Baskow says.
Photo Booth
The photo booth offers instant, take-home photos: “People love their photos,” Davenport says.
Designing visually appealing photo spots, including eye-catching backgrounds and augmented reality features, is popular.
360-degree photo booths are becoming increasingly popular as they can capture high-definition video from any angle.
Additionally, the social media element is key: consider sharing a customized hashtag with attendees.
Philanthropy Onet Holiday Gatherings
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has the effect of making everyone feel good, especially during the holiday season.
Davenport says a good place to start is to reach out to your local convention and tourism bureau or tourism management company. “They’re a great resource for connecting with the local community and helping you find these opportunities,” she says.
You could even partner with local organizations on your own to find out what their needs are. Ask attendees to bring those items. “It’s a win-win for everybody. It’s a win-win for the community, and everybody goes home feeling good. So you can incorporate that into a DIY bar. You’re making something for somebody. It’s really special around the holidays,” Davenport says.
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