Hang the holly, string the tinsel, light the menorah and put some holiday music on because it is December which means we are mid-holiday season. If you think about it, once Christmas arrives, the holidays are over so if you are thinking about hosting an office holiday party, you are doing it at the right time!
We are detailing what you need to host a roaring holiday soiree at work because it is different than hosting one at home.
Office Holiday Party Decor
A great holiday party starts with the ambience and therefore the decorations. The space must feel magical, cozy and hygge-ly.
Click here to learn what hygge is and how to bring it into a space.
Lights, lights lights!
Turn out the overhead lights and bring in candles and string lights. If your building doesn’t allow open flames then bring more twinkly lights. The important thing is the temperature of the lights.
Professional photographers and filmmakers know that every type of light has a color and a temperature. Overhead/fluorescent lights are too bright and they typically emit a blue cast. The direction of the light is also not flattering to anyone.
The ambience should be warm and inviting.
One of the challenges you will face when decorating a work area is the ability to hang anything anywhere. At home you can hammer in nails wherever you see fit. At work, you don’t have that luxury.
Your string lights, boughs of holly and garland will have to hang on 3M hooks where there is an available wall space.
You also have to haul all of the decorations in and out again. We suggest sharing that burden (in line with the Christmas spirit) by asking others to bring in a few pieces. Task someone with bringing a pre-lit mini tree and someone else to bring the tinsel.
Do not forget the menorah! We want to include everyone in this festive soiree. Make it an all inclusive party with a lit menorah as well as a Christmas tree. The traditional colors of Kwanzaa are red, green, and black. Keep this in mind when you are decorating.
The Perfect (Office-Appropriate) Food & Drink
Once you have a plan for the room decor, focus on what you are serving people and the tableware and silverware with which to serve.
Tableware & Silverware
This is an important piece of party planning and it is often filled by someone running to the supermarket to pick up sleeves of plastic-wrapped plastic cups and plastic-wrapped plastic plates.
It is no wonder that this time of year is the most wasteful. Do not contribute to the problem. Instead, look for biodegradable cups like these. The same company also makes biodegradable plates.
Convenience and ease meets sophistication and environmentally friendly.
Alcohol
If alcohol is allowed at your after-hours celebration, a festive holiday drink is a must.
We enjoy a warm Glühwein which can actually be made with or without alcohol. It smells amazing and will fill the whole room with a warm, citrus and spicy aroma. Make it ahead of time in a crockpot and leave it plugged in on low to keep it warm.
Another holiday favorite is a Spiced Apple Cider which can also be prepared and stored in a crockpot. Garnish it with cranberries!
Hors D’oeuvres
Depending on your budget, you could have it catered which would save you a lot of effort. Typically there is some sort of budget devoted to an end-of-the-year party.
If it isn’t in your budget, make charcuterie boards. Cheese, meat, fruit, crackers — there is something for everyone.
Fancy some more hosting? Read our Cocktail Party blog post here.
What to Wear to Your Work Party
The rule of thumb when wondering what to wear — you can never be overdressed but you can absolutely be underdressed.
This is a holiday party afterall and therefore upscale attire is strongly encouraged. We love a little bit of sparkly and a pop of color. In December, red is our go-to! Don a bold red lip and you will feel as fabulous as you will look.
If time catches up with you and you do not have time to go home before your big night, jazz up your look with a different shade of lipstick or a quick hair change. Read more about taking your work wear to after-work wear here. We have written an entire blog post on exactly that.
Interested in more Effortless Glamour posts? Click here. This series includes advice on hosting parties, wedding etiquette and how to be fashionable in every season.
From all of us at Mercury Clothiers, we wish you a very merry and safe holiday season!
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