Inspiration and Stress-Free Ideas for Your Holiday Party
Event Planning
Holiday
Crazy as it may seem, the holidays are upon us. It’s a season of giving and thankfulness, planning and prepping, relaxation and merriment. Celebrations—whether with co-workers, friends or family—abound. This year, find inspiration and stress-free ideas among our holiday party tips from Blue Plate Sales Consultant, Nicole Crifase.
January is the New December
Sometimes it feels like we have to fit all the celebrating into one or two months. This year, think about extending the festivities into the New Year with a January holiday party. Give guests something to look forward to when coming back from December break. It’s the perfect antidote to a dreary January.
Find the Right Venue
Work with an event planner or catering partner to pick a venue that complements your company’s style and culture and fits in your budget.
- Just-opened and up-and-coming spaces give guests a new experience in a space they haven’t seen before.
- Budget-friendly venues might have existing tables, chairs, bars and built-in decor, which can help minimize costs.
- Event spaces with natural surroundings, neutral tones, or modern-industrial backdrops provide more of a blank slate. With our floral and design partners, we can help you dream up just the right setting for your holiday party.
Get Interactive with Food
With so much incredible food in Chicago and cooking shows with cult followings, engaging guests through food experiences is a great way to entertain partygoers. Get your guests involved with quick mixology and cooking demos or incorporate chef action stations, such as our Nitro Pies A La Mode or Gourmet Dipped Ice Cream Bars. Blue Plate’s Bountiful Charcuterie Board is a beautiful addition to any gathering and accommodates all dietary restrictions, including gluten-, dairy- or nut-free, vegetarian or vegan. The charcuterie board also doubles as a centerpiece or décor element because it’s so inviting and overflowing with a variety of delicious bites. Interactive food experiences make for memorable social media moments that can help boost employee engagement.
Engage Guests with Unique Entertainment
Choosing the right entertainment for your group can be challenging. But you know your guests better than anyone. Think about what’s worked in the past and wash/rinse/repeat or try one of these fun ideas:
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- In the right venue, aerialists can add an element of wonder and playfulness to your celebration.
- Strolling magicians impart surprises and magic tricks to unsuspecting guests.
- If your guests are up to it, book an interactive band that offers karaoke for the crowd.
- Dueling pianos can quickly reel people in and get the dance moves going.
- A DJ who already knows or can quickly get to know your guests is priceless. Play throwback classics and a mix of everyone’s favorites to get people out on the dance floor.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays and happy moments in holiday party planning! Need a nudge or a little more inspiration? Let us help you plan a stress-free holiday party. Call or email us at 312.421.6666 or info@blueplatechicago.com to get started.