Some Yuletide Cheer Could Make 2015 a Record Year: Corporate Christmas Party Essentials

Another Christmas, another corporate Christmas party; stand out this season and keep morale high going into 2015 –and make it a record year.

 

Image by Blake Bently via Flickr

 

Since 2012 we have seen the return of the corporate Christmas party. When the recession really came to a head in 2008 most companies had eliminated budgets for events in the wake of layoffs. Many thought it inappropriate that holiday parties should commence while people were being sacked left, right, and centre.

We would like to make a case for making this years Christmas party one to remember. Making employees feel appreciated around the holidays can boost morale dramatically, which can have positive consequences for your bottom line.

Here are our suggestions for the top rated corporate holiday party essentials.

 

Don’t Party at Work

This one is huge. It is a corner best not cut; your staff will feel a little short-changed and it could dampen moods a little bit.

 

Photo Booths

Photo booths are an absolute essential for any event which is geared to be fun and exciting, while drawing attention to your brand.

Branded photo backdrops provide brand exposure through a fusion of photography and social media. Images get shared across Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and others –sent directly from the Blue Steel booths themselves.

This helps your company out with even more than morale, it attracts a greater selection of employee prospects by making your workplace appear fun and rewarding.

 

Jukebox

A jukebox is a great way to save on a DJ; it provides you with an opportunity to pre-screen music selections in advance, while allowing all of your employees to take part in the music selection process democratically.

 

Door Prizes

Door prizes are another great way to add to the excitement of the event. Technology items such as plasma televisions, Apple iPads, Apple laptops, cutting-edge smart phones, stereo systems, hobby drones, and the like are incredibly popular and widely accepted as really awesome corporate door prizes. Think about it.

 

Corporate Gifts

Corporate gifts are wide open as employees never really know what to expect, and their expectations are usually pretty low. Once again, technology items take the cake –however you are obviously not going to buy everyone a TV.

Instead, focus on items that enhance mobile devices: they are an absolute hit, and they won’t break the bank in larger orders.

Some great examples of techie gifts for employees are mobile speakers, USB battery-equipped mobile device chargers, digital cameras, travel mugs, and gift certificates for your local big box electronics store.

 

Themes

Themes rock. They break the ice between attendees and generate a lot of morale-building laughs. Don’t be limited to only Christmas themes, take it to another level. If you’re not sure what theme to go with, who better to ask than your employees themselves.

Some great Christmas party themes are (obviously) Santa’s Workshop, Hawaiian Luau, Cowboys and Cowgirls, Movie Characters (Star Wars!), or even the Golden Girls. Have fun with it!

 

Free Taxi

As with any corporate event, if you’re supplying your guests with alcohol it is wise to follow it with a free ride home in a taxi cab. Your staff will appreciate it, and everyone’s safer for it.

 

Or Forgo the Whole Thing!

Or you could always opt for allowing your staff to vote between having a corporate holiday party —or a day off.  Let them know what you’re thinking of doing for your party so they can make an educated decision.