10 Festive Alternative Themes for Your Office Holiday Party

10 Festive Alternative Themes for Your Office Holiday Party

“A Festivus for the rest of us”

 

Bethany Rae, November 7 , 2019

Ready or not, the holidays are upon us; Which means it’s time to start planning the inevitable celebratory bash. Whether you’re throwing a soiree for the office, a dinner for the family, or a festivus for friends, one thing is for certain…it’s gotta be bigger and better than last year. Here are ten unique themes that are sure to take your shindig from snoozy to snazzy.

Murder Mystery Dinner Party

This theme best fits a crowd of 8-15, although there are some outlines that work for 40+.

Websites curate packages that include everything you need to download the perfect party. Encourage guests to dress for their roles and serve-up a supper that fits the occasion. {Try a plated sit-down dinner. Northern Fork offers classic holiday entrees like maple glazed ham and smoked turkey.} Decorations: Props, props, props. Music: Eerie and suspenseful.

Carol-oke

If your crowd is into karaoke, why not keep the playlist holiday-inspired and the volume turned up. There are plenty of places to rent or purchase the necessary equipment, but even those on a budget just need Youtube and a decent microphone/speaker. {Those shy cats who want to sit in the shadows and lip-sync will appreciate hand-held food that can double as a mic. Think kabobs and churros.} Decorations: A wall of metallic streamers and a spotlight. Music: You ARE the music.

Winter Wonderland

Perfect for any winter holiday, celebrate by chilling out. A white-draped wonderland with twinkling fairy lights and a breezy buffet. Fake-frost any clear plastic thing that will sit still and dress bench seating in faux furs. {Have fun with the menu and serve cheeky desserts like baked Alaska and icy cocktails} Decorations:Bring in the ice sculptures. Music: Ethereal.

Hawaiian Luau

Perhaps chilly isn’t your thing. In that case, turn the thermostat to 102 and invite guests to arrive in their best beachy garb. Run a sound machine that mimics waves and make sure every surface is trimmed in a grass skirt and piled high with coconuts. {Keep food light, like Northern Fork’s shrimp or salmon; or go all out and throw a Pig Roast with NF. Make sure every guest is sipping a drink outfitted with an obnoxious umbrella.} Decorations: Tiki torches galore. Music: Bing Crosby’s “Mele Kalikimaka” on repeat.

Masquerade Ball

Nothing combines the words festive and fancy quite like a proper black tie affair. Request that your guests arrive in formal attire and an accompanying theater mask. A ball is for dancing so be sure to showcase a large dance floor. {For food, consider butler-passed hor d’oeuvres and bubbly served in champagne flutes.} Decorations: Harlequin everything. Music: A live band.

Vintage Party

Maybe you prefer fun to fluff. Pick a decade by choosing your all-time favorite or by asking your guests vote in advance. Everyone should plan to come dressed accordingly. Play with invitations and classic party games from that era. {Whichever time period, Northern Fork can assemble the perfect food stations.} Decorations: Whatever suits the decade, from Renaissance candelabras to sock-hop streamers. Music: Ask guests to bring a mix tape.

Holidays around the World

Celebrate a diverse work environment by asking coworkers to share how they celebrate their special holidays. Encourage customary dress and ensure an eclectic spread of authentic foods via an old fashioned potluck. {Don’t worry, Northern Fork will tend bar.} Play charades and work in teams. Decorations: Globes and maps. Music: Traditional holiday songs from various cultures.

Brunch, Brunch, Baby

Let’s face it, the holidays are a busy time. So instead of monopolizing your guests’ entire evening, consider an earlier celebration. Hear us out: we’re thinking brunch. How wonderful to partake in a party and still have the day ahead of you. {This event is all about the food, and NF lays out a brekkie buffet like no other. Top off with classic mimosas.} Decorations: Fresh wreaths and linen napkins. Music: Instrumental carols.

Christmas Movie Marathon

Rent a projector…and a space big enough to properly enjoy it. Here, Rotten Tomatoes lists the 50 Best Christmas Movies of all time. Encourage guests to come cozy and ready to lose themselves in holiday cinema (this is a marathon after all). Hand out blankets and set-up a concessions stand. Offer hot dogs and nachos as well as cocktails in big soda cups with lids. {How fun would it be to pass out box lunches?} Decorations: Popcorn machines. Music: The films’ soundtracks playing in the lobby.

The No-Party Party

Consider skipping the party and schedule yourself and your guests to volunteer with a local charity. Forgo a gift exchange and donate the monies to a good cause. Trim a tree at a local hospital. Work on a project together. Do good. Holiday Heroes is a swell place to start- listing volunteer opportunities and toy drives around Chicago. {By the way, NF deli trays are perfect for hungry helpers.} Decorations: Peace on Earth. Music: Good Will Toward Men.

Whatever your party, may it include the brightest photo booths and the ugliest sweaters. Northern Fork wishes you and yours a very happy holiday season. Cheers!

 

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