Tell us if this sounds familiar: the holidays are here before you know it, and between all the season’s greetings & social invitations, squeezing in your company get-together is like a game of calendar tug of war.
We’ve been there! And today we’re sharing three great ideas to consider when holiday party-planning for the corporate crowd. Because year-end celebrations are an important part of toasting your team’s success, hard work and dedication – and your gesture of thanks will be even more appreciated with a company gathering that’s both fun and flexible (especially for those of us who tend to be a little overcommitted this time of year).
Break up the holiday work week
There are only so many weekend dates in the month of November, and even less available this December! Chances are many of your staff and colleagues have standing (or even overlapping) commitments. Instead, why not host a mid-week celebration? Casual happy hours or after-work functions on a weekday are popular with the business set, since these occasions allow employees to avoid double-booking on busy weekends. And who doesn’t love leaving the office a bit early? Gather your team for a 5 o’clock cocktail reception inside The William Aiken House, with its private spaces and ideal location on Upper King Street.
Photos: Aaron and Jillian Photography
Another winning idea: take an afternoon break and invite the team out to lunch! Downtown Charleston restaurants like Fish offer private dining spaces and personalized menus that make your guests feel special.
Make a bright start in the New Year
Competing with holiday schedules is a challenge, to say the least, which is why we’re big fans of first-quarter festivities. Even the team at Patrick Properties hosts our end-of-year celebration in January! Why? Post-holiday employee appreciation events allow much-needed downtime after a busy season and give your team an occasion to begin the New Year on a high note. Reflect on past achievements, reward standout performers with company awards and drum up inspiration for the upcoming year.
Forget ho-ho-humdrum and opt for a change of scenery
Instead of recycling last year’s backdrop, get inspired with non-traditional holiday party alternatives. How about an outdoor barbeque & bluegrass music on the Ashley River? Oyster season is still going strong in January, and no one can turn down a Lowcountry oyster roast at Lowndes Grove, complete with cozy fire pits and lawn games like corn hole.
Or treat guests to their very own dinner and a movie inside The American Theater cinema. The PPHG events experts are here to help you get creative, whatever your office culture!
Left Photo: Amelia and Dan Photography // Right Photo: Andrew Cebulka