The Varick Room Presents: Holiday Parties 101
Planning a holiday party can be a daunting task. It’s difficult to please a large group of people, especially considering that the only thing that many of them may have in common is the fact that they work together! The decisions often start piling up: should the décor be traditional or more modern? Do you choose comfort food or a more daring menu? DJ or live band? And, considering you’re in the middle of NYC, what is it that will make your party more memorable than a standard night on the town? At The Varick Room we’ve helped to produce Holiday Parties for all kinds of clients. Over the years, we’ve helped Universal McCann, Sears, P & G Prestige, and Yahoo (just to name a few clients) to create great experiences for their events. Here are a few tips & ideas that have helped these parties to stand out:
1. Choose the appropriate entertainment for your guests.
If you’re producing a special event for 200 people, perhaps hiring a caricaturist isn’t the best choice for entertainment. Choose something that everyone can participate in. A photo booth or personalized flipbook are better choices to make sure that all of your guests get involved, plus get a souvenir of the event!
2. Themes can be good…when done tastefully.
A subtle theme can help to give your party direction. Obviously “Holiday” is the easiest theme of the year, but adding a few little touches can help your party stand out. Give your event planner some solid direction for colors and floral ideas. Have your guests dress up to complement the room, and design a specialty cocktail that fits in with the feel of the event. Fresh fruits and spices can jazz up any drink to create a uniquely memorable element. Also,make sure to tell the DJ whether your guests are expecting to hear The Beatles or The Black Eyed Peas (or maybe a little bit of both.)
3. If you’re on a budget, use it wisely!
Feeding your guests good food can make a much greater impression that having that cool jazz trio perform…and vice versa. Know your audience, and choose wisely. Pick the elements that are most important to your event, and prioritize. You don’t necessarily need to have 4 hours of passed hors d’oeuvres if your guests are dancing for the majority of the time! Spend your budget where it counts.
There are many other things that you can do to create the best Holiday Party for your guests. Take your time, pay attention to your vision, and you’re sure to have a great event. For more ideas, contact our in-house team of event planners. Happy Holidays!