It's that time of the year again! Time to make plans for a Christmas party with your colleagues and a New Year's drink at your club. Make it easy on yourself and be guided by these 5 tips for a successful and safe party.
A tight plan is half the battle
Organising a party always involves more than you thought, or an unexpected obstacle pops up during preparation. That is why our first tip is: start more than on time. Then you won't have to stress about getting everything done. Moreover, the invitations can be sent out early, so more partygoers will be able to attend.
Make a list of everything you have to do and consider how much time you will need for each item. That way, you can realistically estimate when you need to spring into action. You should also think about the party budget you have and how you will spend it before you really start.
When preparing, immediately consider safety: is the room big enough for the number of guests? Are there enough exits? Will there definitely be an employee or volunteer with first-aid knowledge at the party? Is your company adequately insured for the type of party you are planning? Does your association need additional insurance, possibly temporarily?
A theme as a coat hanger
A well-chosen theme helps to give your party extra punch. It forms a guide through all the decisions you make as a party organiser: which venue suits best, what's on the menu, what music goes with it, do you ask the guests to dress up ...?
Clever decoration of the party venue and tables naturally also adds to the atmosphere. Do you go for typical Christmas - with lights and 'o pine trees' - or do you throw it in a totally different direction? Whatever you do, don't lose sight of fire safety when using flammable materials (paper, dry branches) and candles.
Warming up guests
No matter how well you have prepared the party, its success depends on the people who attend. Still, as an organiser, you have a part of this in your hands: warm up your employees or members for the party in advance by involving them in the preparations. Then the party will automatically be completely in line with what they value most.
Set up a temporary party committee that you closely involve in all aspects of the party. Or let everyone vote on certain aspects of it: do the majority prefer the 'winter wonderland' theme or do they feel more like a beach party? Will there be a pasta buffet or do they prefer a winter barbecue? Do you invite a trendy DJ or do you prefer a relaxed jazz band?
Also always fun to get the party started: create a playlist on Spotify a few weeks in advance and let invitees add their musical suggestions.
Icebreakers
Good food and good music may be enough to make your staff party or association party a hit. But when you have a lot of staff or volunteers, who do not all know each other personally, you will have to come out of your pipe to make this get-together a real party.
It is easier to break the ice with simple activities. Think short games, a magician passing the tables, cards with conversation starters, a tombola, a karaoke or a photobooth with funny props.
Festive food & drink
No party without a party menu! But what do you serve best? If you expect a lot of people, it is often a good idea to hire a caterer. In a smaller gathering, a 'potluck party' automatically brings atmosphere: everyone prepares their own dish and places it on a long buffet table.
In any case, remember to ask your guests in advance about their dietary requirements and allergies, and pass them on to the kitchen team. This way, the banquet will also run 100% safely for all your staff or association members.
And the drinks? Look beyond the classic trinity of wine, fruit juice and water. Perhaps a bartender shaking original cocktails with the requisite show will suit your theme party? Those who still have to drive, motivate with creative mocktails or homemade lemonades to keep it alcohol-free.
Frequently asked question: I had an accident at the company party, is it a workplace accident?
When an employee is injured on the job, or on the way to and from work, we talk about a work accident . So whether or not the accident at a staff party is considered a work-related accident depends on the question: can you consider the party as work?
Jurisprudence regards a company party as working when the employer pays for the party, the management is present, the employee feels obliged to go to the party and who is under the employer's authority during the party. (Source: Securex)
So if you fall down the stairs at the annual Christmas party or the New Year's drink your employer treats you to, it might be a workplace accident. If you get an elbow bump to your eye while out dancing with some colleagues after work, then family insurance will have to intervene.
Do you also have a party planned at your association or company and doubt whether your insurance policies cover all the risks? Give us a call , we'll be happy to check it out for you.
Happy celebrations!
