Throwing a party in the office is a fun way to celebrate various events and holidays with your co-workers. When throwing an office party, it is important to choose a theme that fits the reason for the party. Birthdays, showers, retirements or promotions are easy parties with built-in themes. Remember, when throwing a party in the office it is essential to keep it appropriate and inclusive for all. Religious holidays can be tricky to celebrate in the office, so check with Human Resources before planning to celebrate different holidays. Does this Spark an idea?
Luau Themed Party
For a luau at work, a few decorations and treats will transport you and your co-workers into a Hawaiian daydream. To start, go to a party supply store and look for the following items: leis, a luau banner, drink umbrellas, flower strings and Hawaiian music. Food that would be appropriate for an Hawaiian office party include: fruit punch (orange juice, pineapple juice, splash of grenadine), fresh fruit salad or skewers, chicken skewers, and various salads. Guests can arrive to find the office decorated with flowers, Hawaiian music floating through the room, and colorful leis to wear. If an office is feeling playful, grass skirts could be brought for a hula contest!
Pirate Themed Party
A pirate party can be held for celebrations or work meetings. Items to be purchased from a party supply store include: inexpensive pirate hats, several plastic swords, hooks and eye patches, a pirate-themed banner, a black skull pirate flag and a CD of pirate music. Food that would be appropriate for a pirate-themed party include: grilled meat on skewers, rice pilaf and tropical salad. Another idea is to make treasure maps and have a scavenger hunt. To achieve the aged pirate-map look, dip the map in coffee and let dry, tear the edges and use a lighter to burn some of the edges.
Fiesta Themed Party
An office fiesta only requires a few decorations, music and food to create the illusion the office is a small town in Mexico. Items to get from a party supply or dollar store include: crepe paper streamers, a piñata, maracas, sombreros and CD of Mexican music. If you can't find the decorations for cheap, ask around at your office if anyone has Mexican flair to share. Food for an office fiesta can include: tacos, chips and salsa, guacamole and non-alcoholic margaritas. Guests can wear sombreros, mingle with delicious food and spicy music. Fill the pinata with treats and let co-workers all take a swing at it.
Making it Work
Making your office party work requires a team of dedicated individuals who will plan, pick up the supplies, and do the set up and cleaning. Designating a party-planning team early in the year will allow people the opportunity to get involved in the office as well as plan parties for the entire year. A party-planning team should have a calendar that lists all the employees' birthdays and other important events to celebrate. Taping a list of theme ideas to the back of the calendar will help team members keep track of the parties they have thrown and parties they could throw in the future.
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