The infamous office party is often viewed with impending doom....

Some office party suggestions

The infamous office party is often viewed with impending doom. It's reputation often precedes itself and has resulted in the end of many a career. How can the trappings of the evil office party be avoided? Here are some party planning and etiquette tips that hopefully will help you survive.

• Set a date and time for the office party that is convenient for all involved. Try not to make it on a date when there is other important business commitments.
• Select an alternative location for the party if it is decided not to have the party at the office.
• Determine how the office party will be financed and/or sponsored.
• Choose a party theme. This can be helpful in deciding food choices and atmosphere.
• Send out a memo at least three weeks in advance. If the party is being held away from the office, send out invitations at least three weeks in advance. Make sure a RSVP date is included on the invitation.
• Plan some activities for the party (e.g. games, entertainment, gift giving, etc.).
• Have breakfast or lunch instead of an evening office party. This can allow employees to include their families in the festivities.
• Have a brunch in a restaurant instead of an on-premise office party. Allow for dancing following the meal.
• Have the employees to donate gifts to a charitable organization and collect these at the party instead of exchanging gifts.
• Try an indoor carnival with proceeds going to a charity.
• Plan a volunteer activity with a local charity.
• Have employees display their talent through funny skits and/or musical selections.
• Have the employees decide whether or not they want to have a party or donate the money that would be used for the party to a charitable organization instead.
• If there is an evening party planned and alcohol is served, make sure that arrangements are made for taxis to take people home or arrange a designated driver system.
• Make sure there is enough help for the party. If catered, determine what assistance will be needed.
• Make sure there are plenty of alternative, non-alcoholic beverages available.
• Because remembering guests and spouses names is difficult, festive nametags should be provided to help reduce the faux pas of forgetting names.
• If the party is being held in a non-smoking building, make sure to make accommodations for smokers.
• Consider making two punch bowls, one with alcohol and one without alcohol. Keep the non-alcohol bowl constantly full.
• Have a potluck party making a sign-up list of what is needed to prevent duplications.
  
  Above all else, HAVE FUN!