There is a lot of planning that goes into an office party. Whether it is a big party for the holidays, or a party for a new baby or a retirement, there is a lot that goes into making sure that the party goes off without a hitch. With that in mind, the starting part of any office planning needs to be deciding exactly what type of party is wanted.

Should it be a catered party where you have a catering company, or restaurant, come out, set up food stations and seating stations? Would it be better for budgets if the party involved take-out food from a local chain restaurant or fast-food location?

Or how about a pot-luck where everyone brings a dish? Depending on the type of party that is picked, planning can go from there. For example, a party where catering and set-up is taken care of is going to take less planning leading up to the event than one that is going to involve pot-luck and the conversion of a room into a “party room”.
Regardless of what type of office party is going to be had, it is important that, in the days leading up to the party, that the area is properly set up. While offices are generally kept pretty clean, it is always a good thing to do a little bit of extra cleaning leading up to a party. If there is a janitorial staff that handles the cleaning, communicate with them what needs to be done to properly prep for the party. If the cleaning is handled by the staff in the office, spend a little bit of time in the days leading up to the party taking care of it. The little bit of cleaning that you will end up leading to a better party.