PLANNING A BUDGET-FRIENDLY COMPANY HOLIDAY PARTY

With money tight during these tough economic times, you may feel that you have to be the Grinch this year and ditch your company holiday party plans. Don't fret. There are still cost-effective ways to reward your employees and show your appreciation without breaking the bank.

GET HELP
Hire a professional planner. You'll be happy to know that through the discounts planners get and their wide range of contacts, you will likely find a planner more affordable than you realize and you and your overworked staff, won't spend precious time on a company celebration. To find a planner near you, visit the website for the International Special Events Society at www.ises.com or drop me an e-mail at PartyPlansPlus@aol.com and I'll be happy to forward a suggestion or two for a qualified planner or vendor.

However, if your money is truly tight, organize the more social staff members into a committee. Not only will they give you input for party ideas, but by making them part of the process, you can guarantee there will be less grumbling about the plans made. Give them your budget and let them decide where best to spend the money allotted.

LET'S GET OUTTA HERE
If you normally hold your company party surrounded by equipment, computers, desks, store merchandise, ringing phones and piles of work to be done, it's tough for your staff to get into the holiday spirit. Move the party to another, more festive site. However, if you don't want to go the hotel or restaurant route, think outside the box and reserve an ice rink for the afternoon, a couple of lanes at the local bowling alley or choose another non-traditional locale. Or pile the gang onto a chartered bus some weeknight, serve drinks and snacks-on-the-go and tour your city's holiday light displays.

If your company is small, hosting the party at your home will really drive home the point that you feel as if your employees are like family. Plus, it can be an affordable alternative to a catering venue.

If you must keep the party at the office, try to move it to your lunch room or conference room that's been appropriately decorated. At the least, invite employees to toss inexpensive, festive tablecloths over their desks so that they're not looking at their workload and turn off the phones or direct them to your answering service.

IT'S THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
Most people like to give to charities during the holiday season. Make it easy for your employees to do so by setting up an area at the party where they can donate non-perishable food items, clothes, and unwrapped toys. These then can be gathered and donated to a charity or two in your area such as the "Toys for Tots," Salvation Army, United Way or Red Cross programs.

Or, if you know that an employee or two are suffering financial hardship due to medical problems, a spouse losing their job or other setback (in fact, you may choose a valued former employee that you had to lay off), have the gifts anonymously delivered to the employee's home by a friendly, non-employee "elf."

BE CONSIDERATE
Remember, not everyone on your staff may be a Christian. It's best to avoid a theme that is strictly Christmas-related. Instead opt to choose a generic winter, "Fantasy in Frost," "Winter Wonderland," or "Snowman Soiree" theme.

FIDDLE WITH THE FEAST
OK, so booking a catering hall for a lavish dinner is out of the budget this year (and possibly politically incorrect if you've had to do lay-offs and cut benefits), but that still isn't a reason to ditch your dinner altogether.

You can serve a lunch buffet, host a late afternoon dessert array or even let everyone have fun with a "build your own sundae" display. Just remember to offer vegan/vegetarian options.

WHEN THE MUSIC MOVES YOU
If you can't afford to bring in a live band or DJ, at least provide a quality sound system with a multi-disc player. Ask your employees to bring in their favorite party or holiday music CDs, set the player on random play and then put someone in charge to periodically change the albums to ensure a variety of music. Many areas have radio stations that feature seasonal music exclusively during the holidays.

Another viable option for entertainment is the use of your "in-house" talent bank. Musical, comedic or theatrical genius may dwell within your employee ranks. At the least, hold a sing-along of holiday ditties.

PEACE ON EARTH AND AT HOME
When the party is held in the afternoon, it's understandable if it's an employee-only affair. However, if it's an evening event, allowing your staff members to bring their spouse or a guest will go a long way to keeping peace, at least in their home.

If you are hosting a family event, be sure to plan extra-special activities, refreshments and gifts for youngsters.

Family events will be appreciated by all. Employees will have an opportunity to spend time with their families and family members will surely enjoy seeing their spouse or parent in their environment and with the co-workers they hear about so frequently.

BE RESPONSIBLE
Provide festive and delicious non-alcoholic drinks for tee-totalers or designated drivers. Depending on the circumstances, it's possible that you might find yourself liable if an employee is involved in an accident while driving home intoxicated from your party.

If you do serve alcohol, limit consumption, provide employees with a ride home, or set up a designated driver car pool.

For a true cost savings, forgo the open bar and serve a festive punch, a variety of wines and soft drinks or create a specialty drink for the celebration.

IT IS BETTER TO GIVE…REAL GIFTS
When selecting a guest gift or take-home favor, avoid an item emblazoned with your company logo. No matter how attractive or useful, it still serves as an advertising specialty rather than a true gift. A perfect present is one personalized with the name of the guest or, at least, one that has been specially selected for that individual.

Of course, cash bonuses for employees are always appreciated as well as gift cards to local supermarkets or department stores or a coupon for a turkey or ham so that they can feel a little less pressure off of their own holiday budget needs.

Finally, this time of year affords you the ideal opportunity to reward your employees with a festive break from their daily pursuits. Your special occasion also can be a time for them to not only mix and mingle with each other, but perhaps with customers or clients as well. Your warm, friendly and fun gathering will be remembered and appreciated by your guests until the next holiday season and you can do it all without blowing your bottom line.