When you hear the phrase “office party”, you might think of passed hors d’oeuvres and forced office-wide mingling. However, there are office holiday party ideas that are sure to delight your team, as long as you plan your menu accordingly and add some winter wonderland decorations.
Make this year’s festivities memorable and fun for everyone – including yourself. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, here are 5 exciting ideas for your office holiday party.
The North Pole office brunch party
The setting: The sunniest conference room in the building
Food
The sun is shining, the air is crisp, and the holiday buzz is all around the office! To keep the crowd warm and their bellies full, a Make-Your-Own Waffle Station is the perfect idea for your office holiday party. Choose from Belgian, Buttermilk, or Traditional Waffles, and give your team a variety of toppings to choose from. You can include items such as maple syrup, yogurt, whipped cream, and fresh fruit. Fresh strawberries are always a crowd’s favorite.
Drinks
Coffee and hot cocoa will be a welcomed warm-up to the morning. And don’t forget about all of the festive add-ins for the cocoa! Mini marshmallows and red & green or blue sprinkles make for a fun and festive holiday touch.
Decor
To carry the coziness of the celebration around while keeping it simple for clean-up, decorate the room with some snowflake garlands and winter-themed party supplies.
The holiday lunch gathering party
The setting: Lunch/break room turned holiday party venue
Food
With traditional holiday food aplenty this time of year, keep your holiday party menu ideas unique and different from the overdone dishes that will inevitably take over during the winter season. A pasta bar at the office with Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Parmesan, and Pesto Gnocchi is always a crowd-pleaser. Even better, many pasta dishes are easy to make vegetarian-friendly. For those who would prefer a lighter meal, offering Antipasti or Caesar Salad is a delicious option to complement any Italian cuisine.
Drinks
Red and white wine would make for an ideal pairing with this holiday party meal. If you’re looking to skip the alcoholic beverages, opt for a refreshing fresh-squeezed lemonade and iced tea option.
Decor
To incorporate the holiday theme, choose lighter holiday decorations since this will be a mid-day gathering. Paper gingerbread man chains and a touch of lights on the tables will make your guests feel the holiday cheer without going overboard.
The late afternoon merry hour party
The setting: Large conference room, 5PM party time
Food
Since beverages will be the main focus, keep the food options light and portable. Most will be mingling with coworkers and will reach for the lighter fare during conversations. Caprese Skewers, Chicken Teriyaki Kabobs, and Coconut Shrimp with a Sweet Thai Chili Sauce for dipping are delicious options for your team. For dessert, Mini Creme Brulees will hit all the sweet notes and will pair well with the festive cocktails on the menu.
Drinks
A variety of drinks top the list for holiday cocktails. Keep it festive with a Cranberry Martini, Spiked Apple Cider, and a cozy Gingerbread Hot Chocolate for the non-drinkers.
Decor
Keep your decor to a minimum so cleanup will be a breeze when the party wraps up. Festive colored tablecloths and holiday-themed music will set the tone for the party, without going overboard on the theme.
The chilly cocktail hour party
The setting: Largest open space in the office
Food
For a more upscale affair, the food needs to fit the atmosphere. Since the event will be after dinner hours, lighter menu options will fit the tone of the evening best. Opt for small bites like Tuna and Steak Tartare, Bacon-wrapped Scallops, fresh Bruschetta, and Portobello Stuffed Mushrooms. These food options will keep your team happy while still allowing them to chat with others in attendance.
Drinks
To keep with the holidays party theme, consider having a few holiday-themed drinks like a Ginger Bell Bourbon or a Pumpkin Pie Martini to put everyone in the holiday spirit.
Decor
Set a table with all the food and drink options and add some greenery around to have the holiday mood dig in. Having a few flameless led candles around will add brightness in case you feel like turning lights off to make it look less like an office.
The out-of-the-box holiday party
The setting: Largest meeting room
Food
Want to forgo the holiday party themes altogether? Switch things up with an “Around the World” theme. You can set up different stations for different cuisines. First stop, empanadas and tacos for a culinary trip to Latin America. Next, All-American favorites like hamburger sliders and French fries. And what about Thai food? Pad Thai is always a favorite. You can double up on the Asian fare by serving Chinese spring rolls to start the night off right.
Drinks
In keeping with the theme, offer a variety of favorites from all corners of the globe. Try handcrafted margaritas or Spanish sangria. Of course, you can’t go wrong with an international selection of wine and spirits. For teammates who want to opt for a non-alcoholic beverage, try a twist on an old American favorite – lemonade! Lavender tea lemonade is a delicious and refreshing beverage that hits all of the sweet notes.
Decor
Incorporate decor from around the world! Maps, globes, and decorations will complement the menu perfectly.
No matter the occasion, we can make your office holiday party merry and bright!
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