In Office vs. Outside Venue Holiday Party: The Ultimate Showdown
IN OFFICE VS. OUTSIDE VENUE HOLIDAY PARTY: THE ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN
DECIDING WHERE TO HOST YOUR COMPANY’S HOLIDAY PARTY CAN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT THE FESTIVITIES AND OVERALL MORALE. DIVE INTO AN IN-DEPTH COMPARISON TO FIND OUT WHICH OPTION SUITS YOUR CORPORATE CELEBRATION NEEDS THE BEST.
SETTING THE SCENE: ATMOSPHERE AND ENVIRONMENT
When it comes to setting the scene for a holiday party, the choice between an office or an outside venue can greatly influence the event’s atmosphere and environment. Hosting the party in the office may offer a familiar and comfortable setting for employees, allowing for personal touches and a sense of ownership. On the flip side, an outside venue provides a change of scenery, potentially elevating the event to a more formal or festive atmosphere, separate from the daily work environment. It might also allow for more elaborate themes and decorations that could be constrained by the typical office layout.
Ultimately the office setting might be more casual and can encourage a ‘come as you are’ vibe, which some may prefer. Oftentimes people are more likely to show up when they feel comfortable going somewhere they already know. Not to mention you can decorate your way, and customize your event catering menu and bar services to fit your group best.
COST CONSIDERATIONS: BUDGETING FOR YOUR BASH
Budgeting is a crucial aspect of holiday party planning. An office party can often be more cost-effective, eliminating many rental fees and potentially reducing event catering costs. DIY decorating can save on budget and become a fun activity for staff to participate in ahead of the event, creating an additional sense of pride about how great your office looks! Companies can also save on transportation in a city like Boston if the office is centrally located for most employees.
Conversely, hosting a party at an outside venue usually comes with a higher price tag, including venue and/or furniture rental, more limited catering menu options, and possible transportation or parking fees. It’s essential to weigh these costs against the value they bring. An external venue might offer catering packages that reduce the burden of planning and setup, allowing employees to fully enjoy the event without worrying about logistics. Additionally, the perceived value of a more extravagant event at an outside venue can reflect positively on the company’s image and employee morale.
LOGISTICAL LAYOUT: PLANNING AND EXECUTION
The logistics of planning and executing a holiday party are pivotal to its success. An office party may require more hands-on organization from staff, including setup and cleanup, which could impact work schedules. However, access to technology and office resources can make certain aspects like music and presentations easier to manage. Having an office holiday party might open the door for you to have the DJ and music of your choice that might not be feasible at a crowded restaurant. You can also bring your favorite office caterer in to show off unique holiday menus that you don’t get to experience with the daily sandwich catering the team is used to.
Choosing an outside venue often means professional event staff will handle the details, from setup to tear-down. This can result in a polished event with less time required from employees. Nevertheless, it requires careful coordination, site visits, and consistent communication with the venue to ensure every detail aligns with the company’s vision for the party.
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT: PARTICIPATION AND ENJOYMENT
Employee engagement is the heart of a successful holiday party. An office party may encourage higher attendance due to the convenience of location, especially if it’s held in conjunction with office hours. It can also feel more inclusive for all staff members. If the holiday party includes a plus-one, it may be the first time someone’s significant other gets to see where they go to work everyday, which creates a personal connection to the company for your employee’s loved ones. People tend to be more relaxed and more likely to socialize in a familiar environment.
On the other hand, an outside venue might foster a sense of special occasion that can increase excitement and engagement. A change of environment can also break down hierarchical barriers, encouraging mingling and conversation among different levels of staff in a way that might not occur within the office. There’s no one formula for this and many companies poll their employees to see what they prefer annually. Companies that are built around their culture tend to alternate from year to year and find that employees like to switch between office parties and outside venues every other year so they get a sense of variety.
MAKING THE DECISION: EVALUATING COMPANY CULTURE AND PREFERENCES
Ultimately, the decision between an office party or an outside venue should align with the company’s culture and employee preferences. A startup with a tight-knit team might prefer the intimacy of an office gathering, while a larger corporation may opt for the grandeur of an outside venue to accommodate a bigger guest list and showcase its success.
Surveys and feedback from previous events can guide the planning committee (oh yes, don’t forget, you should have a small group of team members designated to plan your holiday event). The key is to balance practical considerations with the intangible benefits of creating a memorable experience that strengthens team bonds and celebrates the year’s achievements.
From the look, to the cost, the time to plan, getting people to attend, finding the perfect event caterer or bar service, planning entertainment and more, it can feel overwhelming to choose between these two options. At the end of the day there is usually one choice that simply feels right for your company and your employees each year. Ultimately if you can make people feel comfortable, show authentic appreciation for what they do all year long, feed them well, and remove the stress for an evening, your company’s holiday event is sure to be a hit this year!
NEED HELP PLANNING THE PERFECT EVENT MENU FOR THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY PARTY?
P.S. If you're reading this in September it means everyone else is in the process of planning their 2024 events already. Don't wait any longer! Restaurants, venues, event caterers, and amazing vendors are all booking quickly. Dates are already being taken.
Insider tip: The first two weeks of December are always the most in demand. If you have flexibility with the date you can often find more availability and sometimes better deals for your company holiday event!
Wishing you all amazingly successful holiday events for your office in 2024! Happy Holidays
-The Fresh City Catering Team