5 Ways to Plan a Holiday Party Everyone Will Remember

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t’s that time of the year! The holidays are around the corner, and it’s no surprise that our wintertime calendars are filling up. The festive season is one of the best times of year to bring people together over holiday-themed fare and seasonal experiences. Think: cozy hot chocolate bars, Christmas carol sing-alongs, and light displays galore. The season just lends itself to endless opportunities to celebrate and have a merry time together.
Looking to create a truly joyous atmosphere at your next holiday event? As a destination management company, DCi has orchestrated countless festive fêtes, and with the season’s planning in full swing, our experts are sharing some of their best (and most effective) tips on pulling off a memorable holiday event. Whether it’s an elevated corporate soirée or a casual team-building bash, here’s how to make your holiday party a more immersive and jolly experience for everyone on the guest list.

1. Select a Thoughtful Holiday Party Theme

Before you even start on anything else, narrow down a theme that will help you create a cohesive, engaging experience for your guests. Our pro tip? Think outside the box. There are plenty of nontraditional themes to adopt outside of the typical Santa’s workshop and ugly sweater party. Transport your guests to a woodland-inspired winter wonderland with winter-themed hanging foliage, fairy lights, tablescapes decorated with pinecones, and a fireplace flanked by rustic wooden chairs. Alternatively, set a tropical scene by bringing in palm leaf fronds, vibrant linens, Santa hats, and beach-inspired cocktails and bites — or go Western with a cowboy Christmas party. Most importantly, DCi planners advise to “choose a theme that is inclusive and respectful of all cultural and religious backgrounds to ensure everyone feels welcome and included.”

2. Pick Unexpected Holiday Decorations

Selected your theme? Now’s the time to bring it to life through everything from decor to servingware. DCi always strives to leave a lasting impression with offbeat, lesser-done ideas. That aforementioned cowboy Christmas party? Take the creativity up a notch by ditching the tried-and-true Fraser fir and stringing your lights onto a cactus. Want to bring a little movement to your party? Treat your guests to a pickleball holiday party by setting up a court in an open venue — and decking it out with pickleball-shaped string lights, baubles, and paddles as centerpieces. DCi’s expert planners suggest using lights in fresh, new ways to add a touch of magic to any theme. “An archway tunnel entrance of twinkling lights or lighted icicles dripping from the rafters — there are so many ways lights can transform your space and make it extra festive!” DCi planners say.

3. Elevate The Holiday Table with Delicious Ideas

What’s a holiday party without some festive treats? From appetizers and drinks (don’t forget the eggnog!) to gingerbread-y desserts, no event — holiday or otherwise — is complete without a well-planned food and beverage menu. First and foremost, begin with your theme and let it dictate your offerings. For a winter wonderland-themed event, for example, consider serving white-chocolate fondue, snowflake-shaped cookies, and peppermint cocktails. Alternatively, give your guests an interactive experience by setting up a gourmet hot chocolate bar, where they can customize their decadent drink with whipped cream, marshmallows, flavored syrups, and other toppings.

4. Plan Interactive and Immersive Holiday Experiences

Speaking of interactive experiences, integrating activities that encourage your guests to mix, mingle, and participate is one of the best ways to leave a lasting impression. “Consider incorporating a variety of festive entertainment options that cater to different interests and create a lively atmosphere,” DCi’s event planners advise. Entertain attendees with themed dance vignettes, or invite them to belt out (or rock out to) their favorite carols, jingles, and holiday tunes during karaoke hour. You could also set up a roll-a-ball reindeer racing game, where guests can compete in a friendly and festive race. Once again, lean on your theme for inspiration here. For a “winter chill” casino-themed holiday party, for example, DCi planners orchestrated casino-style games like blackjack, roulette, and poker — as well as glowing ice sculptures, roaming magicians, and even electric violinists.

5. For The Most Successful Holiday Fête, Plan Ahead

… as in, way ahead! Building excitement for your holiday event long before it even happens is one way to keep it top-of-mind for a longer period of time. “Engage your employees and team members early on to build excitement for the holiday festivities,” DCi planners recommend. “Share sneak peeks and updates to keep the anticipation high.” Of course, planning ahead also means having contingency plans in place — whether for last-minute mishaps, weather changes, or technical difficulties — to ensure you can handle anything that comes your way and keep the celebration running smoothly.

Looking to get the (Christmas) ball rolling? Reach out to DCi today, and let’s start planning a festive holiday party your guests will love and remember.