Holiday Party Themes
The holidays are right around the corner, and that means it’s time to gather your team for some festive fun! Planning a holiday party can feel a bit overwhelming, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments and connect with one another. Whether you’re hosting an in-person gathering, a virtual meet-up, or a cozy Thanksgiving meal, choosing the right theme can set the mood and make the event unforgettable. Let’s explore some fantastic holiday party themes packed with fun ideas to make your celebration shine!
In-Person Parties
1. Winter Wonderland
Transform your venue into a magical snowy paradise! Think twinkling fairy lights, white decorations, and soft, fluffy snowflakes.
Decor Ideas: Use cotton batting or white tablecloths to create a “snowy” effect on tables. Hang paper snowflakes from the ceiling and use white twinkle lights to create a soft, glowing ambiance.
Activities: Set up a DIY hot chocolate bar with various toppings—marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint, and flavored syrups. Consider adding a snowman-building contest if there’s enough snow outside!
Dress Code: Encourage guests to wear festive sweaters or sparkly attire to fit the theme.
2. Ugly Sweater Party
This is such a fun way to spark laughter and joy!
Decor Ideas: Use festive tableware and hang up a banner that reads "Welcome to the Ugly Sweater Party!" Consider having a photo booth with props like reindeer antlers and Santa hats.
Activities: Host a “Best Ugly Sweater” contest with prizes for the most creative and the funniest sweaters. Have a karaoke session with classic holiday songs for added fun.
Refreshments: Serve seasonal treats like peppermint bark and sugar cookies decorated with icing.
3. Christmas Around the World
Celebrate the diversity of holiday traditions in a festive way!
Decor Ideas: Decorate different sections of your venue to represent various countries—think colorful papel picado for Mexico, traditional ornaments for Germany, and cozy lanterns for Sweden.
Activities: Set up a food station featuring international holiday dishes—maybe tamales from Mexico, stollen from Germany, and gingerbread from Denmark. Encourage team members to share their family traditions during the event.
Dress Code: Ask guests to wear attire that represents their cultural heritage or favorite holiday traditions.
Virtual Parties
1. Virtual Escape Room
Get everyone involved in a fun, interactive online escape room experience!
How to Set Up: Choose a virtual escape room provider and schedule your event. Many options offer holiday-themed rooms!
Activities: Team up in breakout rooms to solve puzzles and complete challenges. This is a great way to foster teamwork and build camaraderie.
Dress Code: Encourage everyone to wear festive sweaters for a cozy vibe!
2. Holiday Trivia Night
Put your team's knowledge to the test with a festive trivia competition!
How to Set Up: Use an online trivia platform to create questions related to holiday traditions, pop culture, and fun facts about your team members.
Activities: Award prizes for the winning team or individuals. Include fun holiday-themed rounds, like guessing Christmas movie quotes!
Refreshments: Encourage everyone to bring their favorite holiday snack to munch on while they play.
3. Virtual Holiday Cooking Class
Bring everyone together for a fun cooking session!
How to Set Up: Hire a chef to lead the class or find a popular recipe that everyone can make together, like gingerbread cookies or holiday cocktails.
Activities: Share your finished creations on the call and vote for the most creative dish or drink.
Dress Code: Encourage wearing holiday-themed aprons or festive sweaters!
Thanksgiving Parties
1. Potluck Dinner
Encourage everyone to bring a dish to share—it’s a great way to bond!
Decor Ideas: Set up a harvest-themed table with autumn leaves, mini pumpkins, and warm, cozy colors. Provide labeled cards for each dish to note ingredients for any dietary restrictions.
Activities: Consider starting with a gratitude circle where everyone shares something they’re thankful for this year. It sets a warm, cozy tone for the gathering.
Coordination: Use tools like Sign-Up Genius or your company’s Confluence to coordinate who’s bringing what dishes, so you have a well-rounded menu without any duplicates.
Pros: Everyone gets to contribute, and you can sample a variety of delicious dishes!
Cons: You’ll need to coordinate who brings what to avoid duplicates.
2. Gratitude Gathering
Create an intimate setting where everyone shares what they’re thankful for.
Decor Ideas: Use soft lighting with candles and autumnal centerpieces to create a warm atmosphere. Have a gratitude tree where people can write what they're thankful for on leaves and hang them up.
Activities: Provide small notecards for everyone to jot down something they appreciate about a coworker and share them anonymously.
Refreshments: Serve comfort food classics like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie to set the holiday mood.
When it comes to in-person events, food is such an important part of the experience, but I know it can be a bit overwhelming to figure it all out. So, why not make things easier on yourself?
One option I love is EZ Cater. It's a super handy tool that lets you explore local catering options without the usual hassle. You can find a variety of delicious dishes that fit your team’s tastes, from savory bites to sweet treats. The best part? It’s all just a few clicks away, so you can focus on creating a festive atmosphere without stressing over the menu. Did I mention they give the individual doing the ordering “points” to use on Amazon? It is definitely a nice perk for those of us who have to order the food!
Trust me, whether you’re planning a cozy Thanksgiving potluck or a vibrant holiday party, having tasty food on hand will make the event even more enjoyable. Let EZ Cater help you keep things simple so you can celebrate without the extra stress!
As you dive into planning your holiday events, remember that the themes you choose can set the perfect tone for your celebrations. Don’t forget to check back next week for a deeper dive into popular holiday party themes that will inspire your gatherings this season. Whether you’re going for something classic or a bit more whimsical, we’re here to help you create memorable experiences. Happy planning, my friend!
