So, you’re thinking on how to reward your employees after one of the most stressful years in recent memory, but you have a small budget, or lack ideas? First of all you should keep in mind that’s not really a problem: people expect from corporate holiday parties is just spending a good time far away from the pressure of the work place.  Most employees view corporate oliday parties as a way to improve personal bonds with co-workers, thus promoting a more relaxed – and productive working environment. Once you realize the global goal of the get together, the occasion is all about sharing experiences, thoughts, and socializing out of the office.

With that in mind you shouldn’t be concerned about renting an expensive place for the party… actually, if the weather is inviting, fresh-air activities are always one of the best choices that you can make. You can start by arranging collaborative activities that can stimulate the group, while encouraging people to communicate collectively. It’s always nice coming up with some fun activities or sports that will keep people entertained and promote a friendly environment. Such scenario will get people to speak freely even with their superiors.

Cutting the formalities right from the onset of the party will be a good way of promoting friendly interactions. Naturally, it’s always a good idea to get some snacks offer your guests, using the less formal attitude you can find, and why not give some symbolic awards (with no material relevance) to the top performing teams from the events you organized?   

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="344" caption="Buy favors for your events at the Planaganza Event Shop and get Free Shipping when you spend more than $50! Use Discount Code "Holiday08" to save 10% off your purchases over $100!"][/caption]

Whether it be holiday parties or corporate picnics, office socials help to bring the team together. Interdepartmental shindigs and group outings help employees identify with their co-workers on a personal level as opposed to simply a person they work with.  This identification helps to build trust and fosters real idea sharing and teamwork in the office.  Additionally, employees generally start to care about the success of their teammates as well as their individual success.  Here are some quick, relatively planning-free social ideas for building camaraderie in the workplace:

1. Have an informal lunch at a nearby restaurant – conversation over some good food!
2. Attend a sporting event (group/corporate rates are typically lower) – even if you’re not a sports fan, bonding can take place at the ball game!
3. Bi-monthly family potluck dinners – people typically do not participate in social events for work because they would rather be spending that time with their families.  Get the whole family in on the act by have family potluck dinners on a rotating schedule at various employees homes.

Plan this and other events at Planaganza.com!

 Invitations are your guests’ first glimpse into the theme of your event.  Invitations can be as casual and efficient as those sent via email or as glamorous and elaborate as an embossed invite on linen paper encased in an embroidered silk box.  Both invitations announce who, what, where and when, but each also gives your guest a sense of what to expect upon arrival.  If you want to give your guests a sense of your personal creativity, you can opt to make your invitations by hand or by enlisting the help of your handy color printer.  Although this really does personal
ize the invitations and would be nice for a dinner party or social, it may not be the best option for guestlists over 50 -100 people.  However, you could, in fact, through an “invitation party” (popular for constructing wedding invitations) and invite your friends over to help you with the assembly. 

If making your own invitations doesn’t suit your lifestyle, you can always opt to buy pre-made invitations.  FineStationery.com offers exquisite designs for every life event. You can even make pre-made invitations look unique by adding embellishments or patterned lining to your envelopes. Overall, you want your invitations to express the personality of your event. Whether that is simple and casual or elegant and timeless, there is an invitation out there for you.

RBs

I was thinking that it would be very useful for our blog viewers to read something other than my raving on and on about how excited I am about Planaganza.  So while the site is in development I will attempt to provide you with my two cents about… what else…event planning!  In fact, some people look at event planning as an art form and an events’ design speaks volumes about the planners eye for style.  Now I know the term “event design” sends off red flags in our heads that conjure thoughts of expensive, lavish, celebrity-attended events.  However, even if you don’t have an Oprah budget to hire Colin Cowie as a planner you can still design an event that will make your guests feel special.

First start by visualizing your event from beginning to end.  Visualize the room, the decor, the music, the aroma, and your guests.  What are you guests wearing – casual chic or spring sassy?  What colors do you see – chocolate brown with a dash of pink or vibrant orange with teal blue accents? Do you see dancing all night long or intellectual conversation?  All these pieces will play a significant role in your event design.  Every event, no matter how small, starts with a vision.

To help formulate your vision, start collecting inspiration photos.  Did you love that centerpiece you saw in this month’s issue of Brides magazine?  Do you just adore the invitations that your friend sent out for her husbands 40th birthday party?  Collect photos of these things and blend them together to make your event unique.  Remember, your vision will become your event. 

RBs
Shar
www.planaganza.com