A little festivity can make your employees feel appreciated — let Atlantis Banquets & Events help you plan an event they’ll remember.
‘Tis the season for holiday parties, and a well-planned corporate affair offers more dividends than just fun — it can boost morale, foster team building, and let your employees recharge before a new work year.
“An end-of-year corporate event tells employees that you value their contribution and it also builds a positive work culture,” said Rose DiLiello, Corporate Sales Manager at Atlantis Banquets & Events. Many companies support this philosophy, with 85 percent of U.S. businesses hosting a holiday party, according to the Society for Human Resource Management.
The holidays seem to come more quickly each year — so, even as the autumn leaves just begin turning colors, you should start forming those party plans. Here are four tips to help streamline the process.
Tip 1: Plan Ahead and Involve Your Employees
Organizing the party should become a team effort. Even if you hire an event specialist, you want to collect input from your employees about the kind of holiday party they desire. A study in Nature found that such involvement often generated more satisfaction with the event.
Survey your employees on factors like when to hold the party, the type of celebration preferred (a formal gathering, cocktail party, or something else), food preferences (like buffet or sit-down), and what activities to include (some company cultures enjoy cookie decorating or karaoke, others might opt for a more refined wine and cheese affair).
It’s a busy time of year, so no time will accommodate everyone. But, if you book your party ASAP, your employees can save the date before their calendars fill up.
Tip 2: Set a Budget and Pick Your Party Location
Setting a budget is always an essential part of event planning. Holiday party prices vary wildly, from $60 per guest for a simple luncheon to $150+ each individual for an evening of dinner and dancing.
Still, many companies make celebrating their employees’ efforts a priority each holiday season. A 2023 Challenger, Gray & Christmas survey showed that 66 percent of companies maintained their party budgets from the previous year, with 33 percent spending even more on their annual festivities.
Once you’ve established your budget, pick your venue. Cost is not the only criterion for choosing your facility. Think about the gathering’s parameters — do you need a small or big venue? Will alcohol be served? What kind of menu is required? Create a list of all the factors you need before researching your options — this ensures you’ll ask the right questions as you search for the perfect place.
Atlantis Banquets & Events spaces can accommodate all holiday party sizes (from 30 to 400 people) at every price point in settings unavailable at other venues. For instance, your guests can observe tropical fish swim in the Coliseum Room habitats (for up to 290 individuals) or enjoy the elegance of our Sea Star Ballroom (a 5,310 square-foot venue that seats up to 400 people) with scenic views of the lovely Peconic River.
Whether you want a traditional sit-down dinner or passed drinks and appetizers at a cocktail party, Atlantis Banquets & Events can design any type of corporate holiday event and party. We can also provide overnight accommodations for those employees who don’t live in the area. Hotel room blocks are available at the Hyatt Place Long Island East End, which is just an elevator ride away from our venue — or at The Preston Hotel, across the street.
Tip 3: The Best Parties Have Activities
Structure makes parties fun. While some employees might want to just socialize with their co-workers, others want stimulation and connection. Activities up the entertainment factor and facilitate conversations by serving as an icebreaker. Including games, a photo booth, theme-related contests (ugly holiday sweater, anyone?), or choosing a charity to honor (in which everyone brings a toy, clothing, or non-perishable food item) offers opportunities for bonding and enjoyment.
Tip 4: Choose a Menu that Makes Things Festive
Holiday foods are special. Atlantis Banquets & Events understand this so we offer a wide selection of choices, from favorite comfort foods to gourmet cuisine. A holiday party should cater to all types of food preferences, including gluten-free, Kosher, and vegetarian options. Imagine a cocktail reception that offers creamy tomato soup with miniature grilled cheese sandwiches and a seasonal staple like butternut squash in ravioli, pairing it with a sage cream sauce? Sounds delicious.
A buffet dinner can offer options like cider-roasted pork on crostini topped with apple and cranberry marmalade, and a carving station featuring a slow-roasted maple-glazed ham. A plated affair menu might start with a roasted butternut squash soup, followed by either chicken, beef, seafood or vegetarian entrees — with a dessert finale of pumpkin cheesecake.
Atlantis Banquets & Events can help you with the party planning, too. We specialize in corporate holiday parties and can help build an event your employees will remember long past the holiday season.
To schedule an appointment with one of our Sales Professionals, please click HERE.