The holiday season brings a unique set of challenges for corporate event planners. From choosing the right party venue to nailing down holiday party themes that will wow everyone, it can be difficult to make your party stand out. But here’s an event planner secret. Throwing the best holiday parties is a breeze if you can nail these three essential elements—theme, refreshments, and entertainment. 

Keep reading for our tips on throwing a holiday celebration that’ll knock your guests’ stockings off. Let’s dive into the top holiday party must-haves to ensure your celebration is a hit!

Company Holiday Party Themes 

First up on our holiday party essentials list is a stellar theme. Holiday party themes set the tone for every office Christmas party and can make your job as an organizer so much easier. 

In a way, your holiday party theme is the North Star of your corporate holiday event, guiding all your other planning decisions and creating a cohesive experience for your guests. Check out some of our favourite corporate holiday party themes below:

Circus Christmas Party 

A circus-style party perfectly blends nostalgia, excitement, and whimsy, turning your holiday celebration into an unforgettable spectacle. Plus, it’s a party theme idea with holiday decorations, entertainment options, and menu inspiration built-in, which makes your job a lot easier.

Ugly Sweater Party 

This holiday classic is light-hearted and easy to plan, perfect for casual get-togethers or corporate holiday parties with a laid-back vibe. Encourage guests to wear their most outrageous holiday sweaters, then spice things up with an ugly sweater contest and a worthwhile prize!

Gothic Holiday Party 

If you’re breaking away from conventional corporate Christmas party ideas, unique holiday party themes like this one are the way to go. Gothic holiday party themes for work add an element of dark mystery to the season. Think deep reds, blacks, and dark greens for your colour palette. Use candle-lit tables, velvet drapes, and skull decorations for an edgy feel.

Slumber Party 

Bring out everyone’s inner child with corporate holiday party themes geared towards comfort and coziness. Soft blankets, pillows, and everyone dressed in their comfiest pyjamas, what’s not to like? Take it to the next level with great drink selections, pillow fights, and maybe even a Christmas movie marathon.

Image Source: @pettycashto | Instagram

Delectable Holiday Season Signature Dishes and Drinks 

Once you’ve chosen the best holiday party themes for work, it’s time for the next holiday party essential—food and drink. The basic rule of thumb is to choose a signature dish or cocktail related to your theme. 

For conventional holiday party themes like an ugly sweater party or a good old-fashioned slumber party, traditional holiday dishes like roast turkey, beef Wellington, or a comforting butternut squash risotto work wonders. For drinks, consider signature cocktails like spiced eggnog, mulled wine, or peppermint-infused hot chocolate. (A hot chocolate bar isn’t a bad idea, either—guests will love creating custom cups of holiday cheer!)

On the other hand, creative food and drink selections work well for unconventional corporate holiday party themes like a circus or gothic holiday party. A gingerbread house with a whimsical circus tent or skull candies would be perfect. Pair these with themed drinks like a vibrant, fruity punch for your circus party or a rich red wine sangria for the Gothic theme. 

Pro tip: Work with your caterer to add festive decor to the food. Think colourful platters, themed serving dishes, and garnishes that reflect your holiday party’s theme. 

Fun Entertainment Options 

A well-thought-out entertainment lineup ensures your guests have a blast all night long. Depending on your party size and theme, you can go all out or keep it simple with some classic options. Here are our top picks of entertainment ideas for a holiday party: 

• Pool
• Arcade games
• Live holiday music 
• Photo booth
• Christmas party award ceremony (think “Worst Present” or “Office Elf”)
• Christmas movie marathon
• Magicians or Illusionists (to perform mind-bending illusions and tricks!)
• Karaoke
• Secret Santa 

Pro tip: Choose an event space with built-in entertainment options to make office party planning easier! 

Learn more: How to Choose Your Work Holiday Party Venue in Toronto

Image Source: @pettycashto | Instagram

Holiday Decorations 

Holiday party themes come to life through your decor, and it’s these details that make your party shine! Create a festive mood at your holiday event with these tips:

• Create focal points around the venue to draw guests in for photo opportunities. A beautifully adorned Christmas tree, a stunning holiday lights display, or a whimsical archway work great for a classic Christmas party. 
• Ditch the harsh overheads and go for warm, inviting lights. String up fairy lights, light festive candles, or invest in colour-changing light bulbs to customize the lighting to your theme. You could use blue and white lights for Hanukkah or soft gold and silver for New Year’s.
• Use scented candles or a diffuser with cinnamon, pine, or gingerbread scents to tickle those olfactory senses.
• Create little nooks where guests can chat and relax. Think plush pillows, soft throws, and comfy seating areas. Use colours and patterns that reflect your corporate holiday party themes.
• Don’t forget the fun! Add candy canes as decor or party favours and a Santa Claus figure for a touch of whimsy. To be more inclusive, include symbols from various cultures, such as decorative dreidels for Hanukkah or a traditional Kwanzaa table display featuring kinaras and colourful fabrics.

Pro tip: Not everyone celebrates Christmas, so incorporate a variety of decorations reflecting different traditions. This inclusivity ensures everyone feels welcome and appreciated at your company holiday party.

Create the Perfect Holiday Party Atmosphere at Petty Cash 

Done right, these holiday party essentials culminate in a festive wonderland that embodies the holiday spirit. At Petty Cash, every office holiday party idea comes to life with expert planning and attention to detail. 

Our vibrant and flexible event space is the ideal venue for corporate holiday parties. With a spacious dance floor, a stunning 360-degree bar, arcade games, and a pool table, your guests will enjoy a unique experience beyond the typical holiday gathering. Plus, our DJ Booth, HD TVs, and projector screen set the entertainment stage for any and all holiday party themes.

Let Petty Cash be your holiday party destination! Get in touch with us today and let’s create a magical celebration that captures the true spirit of the season.