7 Helpful Tips for Holiday Party Planning

The following article is sponsored by Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to start planning your company’s corporate holiday party. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is one of the Midwest’s most festive places during the holiday season, featuring over two million lights, a hallway full of gingerbread houses, and special holiday-themed seasonal menus. Plus, the resort is celebrating its 25th Christmas in the Country spectacular this year. It’s the perfect location to celebrate the season with family, friends and colleagues.

Grand Geneva’s event team has put together their favorite tips on how to add some sparkle (and take out the stress) when it comes to planning a holiday party.

Timing is everything. Some companies opt to host holiday parties in January after the craziness of the holiday season. Others prefer to host lunches and dinners at the end of October, in November or early December to get ahead of the seasonal rush. Be mindful of the fact that restaurants and venues start booking up fast during the holiday season. Many offer early bird discounts to help you stretch your budget. The earlier you book, the better.

Even Santa has some help.  Choose a small team of colleagues to help support the planning and execution of the party. Having input on venue selection, themes and menu planning is helpful to make sure no detail goes unnoticed.

Get crafty with a cocktail. Adding specialty champagne cocktails or trendy non-alcoholic “mocktails” to the menu is one way to keep drinking levels down while expanding the selection for your guests. Limiting the menu to wine and beer or closing the bar early is another way to make sure no one calls out of work the next day.

Give back. The holiday season is a great opportunity to help those in need. Hosting a toy or food drive during your event is a nice feel-good gesture for guests.

Deck the halls (or at least the tables). Simple touches, such as festive table decorations, will set the tone for a memorable event. Most venues, including Grand Geneva, are already dressed for the occasion.

Build a sled. Yes, you read that correctly. Consider a unique team-building event instead of the traditional cocktail party. Grand Geneva offers a variety of fun team-building options.

Focus on the food. When putting together the menu, consider food allergies and special dietary restrictions. Discuss the availability of alternatives for your guests, such as gluten-free or vegan options. You can’t go wrong with having a wide selection of dishes to cover all the bases.

It’s also a great time for elevating the flavor of classic meals. At Grand Geneva, Executive Chef Nelly Buleje puts a culinary spin on childhood favorites, transforming traditional green bean casseroles and candied yams into vibrant, creative and colorful renditions.

Looking to speak to someone about holiday party planning? Get in touch and we will connect you with our expert meetings & events team. For information on private dining and events at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, please visit GrandGeneva.com.