HOLIDAY PARTY SOCIAL EVENTS

DESCRIPTION & PURPOSE:

A holiday party can be either a formal or semi-formal plated dinner or a casual cocktail hour. The event can include entertainment, food and beverage, games, and raffles. The purpose is to provide a holiday-themed social activity for current association members and their families. Additionally, the association can use this event to celebrate successes from the past year, thank board members/volunteers, and hand out awards.

DIFFICULTY (1-5): 3-5 (DEPENDING ON FORMALITY)

CONSIDERATIONS:

Décor

TIMELINE: 3-6 MONTHS

(VENUES FILL UP QUICKLY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON)

AGENDA:

• 1 HOUR FOR ARRIVALS AND COCKTAILS/APPETIZERS

• 2 HOURS FOR DINNER/AWARDS PRESENTATION/GAMES

• 2-3 HOURS FOR ENTERTAINMENT

• Ask the venue what, if any, decor is included with the room rental.

• If needed, the venue can recommend outside vendors for additional decor, such as centerpieces, linen, napkins, up lighting, pipe and drape, etc.

Entertainment

• If your event has a presentation, ask your venue about the option in your space. You may need to budget for audio-visual equipment rental and support from an AV company.

• If you are booking a band or DJ to perform, dancing will require a venue that can accommodate a dance floor.

Raffles/Games

• Contact businesses in advance to gather prizes.

• Consider all necessary supplies to execute the raffles and games, such as tickets.

• Raffle winners can be announced during the event or afterward. Be sure to collect their name and phone number on their raffle ticket in case they leave before the drawing.

Miscellaneous

• Consider purchasing party favors for your guests to take home at the end of the event.

• Seating chart:

• Table numbers should be displayed prominently on each table. Ask the venue if they provide table numbers.

• If guests have selected their table when responding, be sure to communicate their table number with them in advance or use escort cards at the time of the event.

• If you are assigning tables, you will need to provide escort cards.

• If your event has several presenters and/or performers, consider providing programs.