Loiter Galleries in Long Beach California "Food as a Social Construct," Salon
The trick? Hire a winery or mixologist to add a tasting with each course or have an open bar.
It gives each table something to discuss, and adding something interactive takes the focus off discussing work.
With the holiday party season starting to rev up, take cues from expert party planners, whether you’re throwing your fete or attending your company’s annual bash.
Planning a party
If you’re the mastermind behind a big corporate shindig or an intimate gathering of friends, here are some tips from the pros to carry it off without a glitch.
Think location and space and build out of that.
- An invitation initially sets the tone for the event to come. “Everyone should send one, even for the annual holiday party. At the very least, you should design a charismatic email (or flyer) if you’re set on using electronic invites. Plain text emails don’t make anyone want to celebrate!”
- Quality food and good music are always the most important components of an event; Décor and atmosphere are next in line.
- Add the “WOW” factor by enlisting an unexpected entertainer to do an unforgettable giveaway or adding one element/interactive activity that engages the guest.
- Timing is everything. On weeknights, the guiding maxim is: “The earlier, the better.” On weekends, “definitely after 7:30 pm.” Sunday afternoons, 2pm - 5pm are good times for a Salon small intimate brunch.
- Create an “experience,” not a theme. Have an activity woven throughout the event. Parties involving adults tend to be more upscale in direction and tone.
- Go all out. It’s increasingly popular for even more traditional corporations and associations to ‘buy out’ entire nightclubs and restaurants to host private company outings or momentous celebrations. Guests enjoy that VIP feeling when the boss closes down a Chicago venue. It leaves partygoers on a high that lingers well past the actual event.”
- Lastly, and most importantly- have fun planning it.
AS A GUEST:
While the party is intended for you, you must follow some rules, especially if you want to be invited back.
Know what’s fashionably late. The rules depend on the event, but generally speaking, you should “arrive within an hour of the invitation’s start time. Longer than that is rude. At a strictly corporate event, however, there’s no such thing as fashionably late. You miss the opportunity to socially connect with your host if you arrive too late than the time specified on the invitation. Regardless of the theme and location, the event is still a business gathering and should be treated as such.
Bring Something:
First, don’t forget your identification. You never know if you’ll need it. And if you’re going to a person’s home, whether it be the partner’s swank pad or a co-worker's condo, don’t go empty-handed. Bring a bottle of wine, candles, or some other consumable product. It’s a good idea to wrap it up for them to open later so they don’t feel pressured to serve it that night.
Please keep it in check.
“Business is business, after all.” Arrive on time, dress appropriately, and don’t drink too much. Nothing is worse than embarrassing yourself- you will hear about it long after the party season ends. People need to remember that corporate is not your birthday party! Have fun, but remember that your reputation with colleagues is more valuable than your dance solo on the lounge tables.
