[Christine Jones]

Any ideas on a holiday party on a smaller budget in this economy? We would like to have something nice but inexpensive. We have approximately 75 employees and looking at spending just a couple thousand dollars.

Thanks!

[Jeannine312]

Hi Christine,

We do a lot of pot luck's here and we pick a theme, Mexican food, Thanksgiving, BBQ etc... thats something that doesnt cost the company anything. Last Christmas we had a potluck and we also played a bunch of cheesey games like "who can wear the ugliest holiday sweater" and we did a gag gift exchange with a budget of $1. It was actually pretty fun. We also had another celebration recently where we went to a local bar and had our own room and we just had appetizers and beer and that was fun and inexpensive too. I hope this helps. I dont know what your budget is but I have found that no matter what the budget is you can always find some way to have fun!

Good luck.

[Kateena]

Jeannine - I LOVE the ugliest sweater idea. I'm going to try something like that for our Christmas Party this year.

Christine,

I understand the challenge you're facing. I'm not sure what your company may have done in pervious years, but often it is a good idea to re-visit those places and see if they can give you a better price.

Venues know that companies are cutting budgets, and hopefully you'll find a few of them who are willing to work with you to cut costs. In my area, several places are already promoting 'Recession Buster Deals'.
They need your custom, make sure they work for it! A lot of places can give discounts if we only ask. Your co-workers (and managers) will thank you for it!

[Momof3]

Last holiday season, I was still working full time at my previous employer and charged, along with my team, with the task of putting together a cool but budget friendly holiday party for our 30+ employees + spouses/sognificant others.
We started by making it a pot luck party, though the company did provide beverages and your usual turkey/ham, Caesar salad, etc each team member brought a special/family tradition holiday dish.

We also contracted with a local mobile casino company and for just under 2K we had 2 poker tables, 3 slot machines, 2 roullette tables, and 3 blackjack. Honestly, it was way too many so you can cut that by 2 or 3 tables and still offer a great party. The did all the set up and breakdown, brought in professional dealers, and in my case I also got a bartender.

Would I recommend a poker party for a company holiday party? YES!!!! Everyone enjoyed it, loved the idea of doing something different, had their egos pumped up by other people's compliment on their dishes... It was a great experience and my team and I received kudos from every single attendee.

Good luck with your party :-)