The Ultimate Checklist for Hosting an Office Holiday Party in Austin, TX!
Planning an office holiday party can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can throw a memorable and stress-free event that your team will love. Whether it’s your first time organizing a party or you’re a seasoned planner, this checklist has everything you need to ensure your event is a success!
1. Set the Date and Time
Start by choosing a date that works for most of your team. December can be a busy month, so aim to finalize your date early to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Consider hosting the party during office hours or on a Thursday/Friday evening.
Pro Tip: Austin venues fill up quickly during the holiday season—book early!
2. Choose the Perfect Venue
Austin has no shortage of fantastic venues for office holiday parties. Whether it’s a rooftop bar downtown, a cozy space in The Domain, or your own office transformed into a festive wonderland, pick a venue that matches your vibe and budget.
Popular Austin venues: Fair Market, The LINE Hotel, or even a private space at Easy Tiger.
Don’t forget to confirm capacity, parking, and accessibility.
3. Pick a Theme
A theme adds a layer of fun and helps guide your decor and entertainment choices. Some popular holiday party themes include:
Winter Wonderland
Ugly Sweater Party
Austin’s Best BBQ Bash
Retro Holiday Celebration
4. Plan Your Menu
Food and drinks are the heart of any great party. Whether you’re opting for a catered sit-down dinner or a buffet of local Austin eats, make sure to include options for everyone.
Consider dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.).
Local catering ideas: Salt Lick BBQ, Tacodeli, or an assortment of food trucks for an Austin twist.
5. Arrange Entertainment and Activities
Keep your team engaged with fun activities that cater to all personality types.
Music: Hire a DJ, book a local Austin band, or curate a festive playlist.
Interactive Elements: A photo booth is a guaranteed hit for creating memorable moments. At Smoosh Photo Booth, we offer digital drop-off photo booths with fun customization options that fit any holiday theme.
Games: Consider trivia, raffles, or karaoke for added fun.
6. Decorate the Space
Set the festive tone with decor that complements your theme.
Think string lights, holiday centerpieces, and branded items for a corporate touch.
For a unique backdrop, consider renting a flower wall or creating a DIY photo area.
7. Send Invitations Early
Whether it’s a formal invite or a fun email announcement, make sure your team knows when and where the party is happening.
Use online platforms like Evite or Canva to design stylish invitations.
Include RSVP details to track attendance.
8. Prepare Party Favors
Send your team home with a little something to remember the event. Ideas include:
Branded company swag (mugs, notebooks, or holiday ornaments).
Local Austin treats like cookies from Tiff’s Treats or mini bottles of Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
9. Don’t Forget the Photos!
Capture the spirit of the night with a photo booth. Guests can snap fun pictures, boomerangs, and GIFs that they’ll want to share instantly.
Smoosh Photo Booth offers customizable options, perfect for showcasing your company’s brand while creating a memorable experience for your team.
Bonus: You’ll have a gallery of photos to share in company newsletters or on social media!
10. Plan for Cleanup
After the fun is over, make sure you have a cleanup plan in place.
Assign a team to handle trash and decor takedown.
For larger events, check if your venue offers cleanup services.
11. Add a Personal Touch
Make the event truly special by including a heartfelt thank-you speech, a slideshow of highlights from the year, or a surprise gift for your team.
Make Your Office Holiday Party Unforgettable with Smoosh Photo Booth
Looking for a way to elevate your holiday party? Smoosh Photo Booth is here to help! Our digital photo booths are the perfect way to capture memories, entertain guests, and add a personalized touch to your event.
🎉 Use code 40OFF24 for 40% off events hosted before the end of the year!