How to Host a Seriously Fun Year End Function
Host a Fun Year End Function
When you think of year-end functions, the word fun may not necessarily come to mind. And, what with the extra time spent having lacklustre conversations with colleagues while munching on semi-stale platter snacks and secretly plotting your escape to the nearest exit, no-one could blame you! But, that’s not to say things always have to be that way.
If you’ve been tasked with planning your office’s annual year-end function, there are plenty ways you can shake things up and make the entire occasion more memorable and enjoyable for everyone. Here are six tips for hosting a seriously fun year-end function!
1. Pick a theme
The easiest way to up the fun factor of your year-end function is to choose a theme that will set the tone for the function’s food, décor, activities and dress code. A few trendy themes for you to consider include a Mexican Fiesta, Mardi Gras Carnival, 1960’s Flower Power, Hawaiian Luau or Christmas Winter Wonderland.
While we recommend being as creative as possible, be wary of choosing a theme at the expense of everyone’s comfortability. If you suspect that senior management isn’t the dressing up kind, you can incorporate the chosen theme through other avenues such as the décor or food.
2. Create a signature cocktail
Nothing says “let’s party” like having a signature cocktail for your year-end function. Everyone will be intrigued to know what’s gone into the concoction that packs a punch and this can even serve as a conversation starter.
If you’d like to take things up a notch, and if budget will allow, consider using the services of a mixologist who can make a variety of cocktails that are personalised to each employee’s personality and preferences. With that being said, make sure that you have an alcohol-free version for the designated drivers and teetotallers.
3. Focus on the food
Because food is always an important factor on anyone’s list, it can make or break the success of your function. So, when it comes to deciding what to serve, think about quantity and quality. By serving sufficient, Instagram-worthy snacks, starters, mains or desserts, you can encourage everyone to share in the good times. Also be sure to make allowances for employees who have specific dietary requirements or restrictions.
You may even consider incorporating the theme into your menu. For example, if you’re set on a Mexican Fiesta, you can have a “Build Your Own Taco Bar” or serve some S’mores and hot chocolate at your Winter Wonderland party.
4. Hire unique entertainment
Private performers are great, but how about considering something that will get the whole team up off their seat and engaging with their fellow colleagues.
Depending on the size of your venue, and whether the function is taking place in-or-outdoors, some ideas include having interactive African drumming lessons, traditional Xhosa face painting, hiring zorb or roller balls or even having an inflatable wrestling ring where contenders can get dressed up in sumo suits and battle it out all whilst having some good fun.
5. Have a photo booth
Half the fun will take place in the photo booth so consider having one at your year-end function. If you love crafting or are interested in trying something new, you can even create your own custom photo booth props according to the theme.
A photo booth will give stacks of photos to reminisce on for months to come, and it’s also a great way for colleagues to mingle together and it might just become the highlight of the entire event!
6. Play the Secret Santa game
The basic concept of the Secret Santa game is simple. Before the function, have everyone place their names into a hat and then, once everyone’s names have been added and mixed up, have each person take one name from the hat. Without revealing who’s name they’ve picked, they now need to purchase a gift for said person and all can be revealed at the year-end function.
This is a fun and fair way of ensuring that everyone gets a gift and it will also build up interest and suspense amongst everyone in attendance. Bigger companies can get in on the fun too by having spot prizes or a raffle for an overall grand prize. The key is to be creative all whilst keeping your company size, culture, colleagues and budget in mind!
Do you have any tips for planning a fun year-end function? Share them with us via any one of our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
