<p>In spite of tight budgets, here are affordable and fun options:</p>
<p>GET OUTDOORS! </p>
<p>If you live in the warmer climates of the southwest and southeast, plan an outing to the beach for a game of volleyball, beach Olympics, scavenger hunts or survivor challenges. </p>
<p>Head back to the office or someone’s home and have a pot- luck and ceremony to hand out prizes for individual and team efforts.</p>
<p>Snag a fire pit and plan a sunset bonfire/cookout. Roast marshmallows and get the conversation started with questions such as “What is your favorite childhood memory?” ‘Who has been most influential in your life?” “Who would you most like to meet?” </p>
<p>Organize a sailing regatta, or a kayaking adventure followed by a picnic.</p>
<p>Residents of snowy climates can still enjoy the outdoors with snowman competitions, hay rides, sledding, or tobogganing followed by a hot toddy pot-luck get together.</p>
<p>GIVING BACK:</p>
<p>Give staff time off to volunteer at their favorite charities/nonprofits/schools/retirement homes. Meet up for dinner and have everyone describe their activity and why they chose it or why it is their favorite charity. </p>
<p>There are many activities you can do as a group. Check out local charities such as Habitat for Humanity or food banks. See if your area has a “Build-a-Bike “team event available. Assembled bicycles are donated to preselected children’s charities.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>AT YOUR OFFICE OR HOME:</p>
<p>Invite everyone for cocktails, trivia games and a white elephant gift exchange.</p>
<p>Set up an area for children with holiday cartoons playing in the background. Set up an area for games, crafts and a Wii or guitar hero. If there are young children get help with supervision.</p>
<p>Make a spoof video ahead of time of “a day in the life of an XYZ employee” to show during the party.</p>
<p>Collect candid shots of the staff and their families to run as a background slide show.</p>
<p>Have a salsa showdown. Break into teams to prepare a salsa from a list of gourmet ingredients (mango, coconut, along with traditional salsa ingredients). Select an honorary chef to judge on taste and presentation. Winners receive restaurant gift certificates.</p>
<p>Hand out humorous awards which everyone has previously voted on. Some examples to get you started:</p>
<p>The hearing impaired award to…….for only hearing what you want to hear.</p>
<p>The bermuda triangle award to…..for the desk where things go in but never come out.</p>
<p>The baby’s bottom award to….for smoothest in times of crisis.</p>
<p>The El Matador award …. for smoothly handling angry customers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>AND WHAT ABOUT FOOD AND DRINKS?</p>
<p>Offer a wine tasting. Select a red and a white wine and buy it in 3 different price ranges . Wrap the bottles, have everyone rate them and see who came closest to guessing the correct price. Prepare some interesting tastings to go along with the selections. For example, a rich Merlot could be paired with a spicy chocolate. Try goat cheese with a Sauvignon Blanc .</p>
<p>Welcome your guests with a champagne cocktail bar.. mimosa, kir royale, bellini, poinsettia (named for the addition of cranberry juice for a holiday color)… these are all easy to prepare. Have someone available to pour the cocktails or let the guests help themselves. A small sign can be displayed with the drinks and their ingredients. Have some garnishes to add to the presentation. A raspberry added to bellinis and mimosas makes an elegant festive drink! </p>
<p>Set up a hot chocolate station with a choice of flavored whipped creams (strawberry, peanut butter to name a few) and for the adults – Kahlua or brandy.</p>
<p>Tired of the same old cheese platter? Finger foods don’t have to boring!. How about samplers from around the world. You could assign each person a different country and have them bring an appetizer from that region.</p>
<p>Think of the new fusion trends that blend cuisines: empanadas, egg rolls, sushi, anything skewered (Chicken, fruit, vegetables) with a variety of interesting dips .</p>
<p>And for dessert, a visual display of candy in various sized glass dishes, flavored popcorn, bite size cupcakes, cookies, brownies or a chocolate fountain. Have small bags available to be filled with the candy as a party favor.</p>
<p>So, yes, you can have a holiday party. Whether you choose a hotel, club, restaurant , the outdoors, a home or your conference room , an end of year event can be stylish and fun. Don’t pass up this opportunity to thank your staff, friends, clients and partners. Use this unique opportunity to solidify relationships, build new partnerships and strengthen camaraderie . Whether a casual get together or a more elaborate affair, taking the time to show people they are valued and appreciated never goes unnoticed!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
2009-10-20T21:53:24Z
-0.455258
96
7037
true
16
42384
yes-you-can-have-a-holiday-celebration
1
2009-11-07T05:51:34Z
2009-11-06T15:52:08Z
The quickly approaching end of year begs the question, “what to do about the traditional holiday parties?” How can you celebrate the season, show appreciation and support to employees, partners and clients in this economy without breaking the bank?
Yes, You Can Have A Holiday Celebration!
1
2009-11-06T15:52:08Z