Thanksgiving is the perfect time of year for a holiday party. It's an occasion to give thanks and show gratitude for all the hard work your employees have done this year. Review this brief guide to discover a few tips for planning an office Thanksgiving party that your staff will remember and appreciate.

How to Plan an Office Thanksgiving Party

1. Choose the Right Time

Seasonal festivities often begin around Thanksgiving, so it's important to choose a time that's convenient for your guests. There are no rules saying you can't have the event in the weeks before or after Thanksgiving. When you choose a date outside of the actual holiday and the long weekend that typically accompanies it, your guests will likely be more available and won't be traveling to spend time off with family.

Be sure to send invitations at least two to three weeks in advance. This will help with the planning and ensure the catering service has an accurate headcount.

2. Decorate to Match the Theme

A holiday party isn't complete without decorations. You don't need to go overboard, but a few seasonal decorations can enhance the setting and remind guests of the joy of the occasion and the reason for the celebration.

Choose Thanksgiving or autumn-related decor, like pumpkins and gourds, dried cornstalks, strings of cranberries, artificial leaves, and string lights or flameless candles. If you have a catering table with a buffet, deck it out with some of these items. 

3. Do a Thanksgiving Version of "Secret Santa"

A gift exchange will build excitement around the event, inspire connections among your employees, and help attendees better appreciate the contributions they've all made to the business. When you send out invitations, tell each staff member to give an anonymous gift of gratitude to a specific employee. You can organize this by using an online generator or spreadsheet.

Set a dollar limit; there's no need to be extravagant. At the holiday party, guests can exchange the gifts, and everyone will walk away feeling a little more valued.

When you need catering services for your holiday party, contact Chef's Catering. With more than 15 years of industry experience, they serve clients throughout Rochester, NY. They provide catering for office parties and corporate events to help reduce turnover and boost team morale. Call (585) 752-2149 to discuss your upcoming party, or visit their website to explore their sample menus.