By Lisa Herrick
Holiday office parties are highly anticipated for the attendees yet can be a challenge for the party planner. The group’s size, interests, and budget will determine the type of celebration that would be suitable for the office holiday soiree. Year-end festivities are an excellent opportunity to bring co-workers together to celebrate the organization’s accomplishments as well as strengthen employee relations. Finding the ideal location or event for the holiday party can be time consuming on top of regular daily duties. Fortunately, Thurston County offers a plethora of venues and activities fitting for a diverse array of office holiday fetes.
Dinner and Theater in Downtown Olympia
The holidays are an optimal time of year for a theater excursion. The cold weather beckons us indoors while local theaters offer amazing performances. Combining a social outing and an event will appeal to a broader set of people within the office. Groups of six or more are eligible for a discount making theater a more affordable gift for an organization. Plus downtown Olympia businesses will be sparkling with window decorations creating a festive atmosphere to stroll from one of the many downtown restaurants to either the Harlequinn Productions of The Stardust Christmas Commotion or Ballet Northwest’s The Nutcracker at The Washington Center.
Celebrate by Giving Back
The best of holiday office parties makes us feel good about the place we work. Celebrating with our co-workers by giving back to our community generates a positive team spirit. Charitable giving celebrations can be as simple as an in-office canned food drive or blending the holiday party around a special cause by organizing a fundraiser. Alternatively, companies can do hands-on volunteering with many community organizations. For example, arrange a holiday party for the Olympia Union Gospel, help sort holiday food donations at the Thurston County Food Bank, or host a Toys for Tots drive at the office or provide extra hands in the local warehouse.
Enjoy Outdoor Festivities
Many work groups would prefer celebrating through physical activity and being outdoors rather than a traditional holiday party. Organizing a hike with a picnic may be an ideal celebration for an outdoorsy and fit group. Similarly, participating in a community race such as Saint Martin’s University Jingle Bell Run encourages friendly, fun competition as well as a silly, creative outlet by dressing up in outlandish festive attire. The holiday course is for runners or walkers who then join together upon completion to sip hot cocoa.
Revelry in the Office
Sometimes keeping the holiday office party simple and in the workplace is the best and easiest option. Throwing a party in the office can reduce the expenses of renting out a venue. It can also make it easier for people to attend by simply transitioning from the workday straight to the gathering. Adding a theme can make this transition from work to party more pronounced, festive and jolly. Keep things lighthearted and effortless with something like an ugly holiday sweater theme, which not only creates a natural ice breaker and diverts conversation from the every day work issues but is a wardrobe change. Offer nibbles from a local caterer like Budd Bay Cafe, pick up treats from Phoebe’s Cafe or schedule one of Olympia’s food trucks to be on site.
Join an Existing Event
Skip the planning and simply purchase a ticket to an existing event where the decorations, entertainment, gift bags and meal are all included. Take advantage of events such as the Providence Saint Peter Foundations Silver Bells Breakfast by celebrating with your work team over brunch and supporting a community charitable cause.
Additionally, our area offers one of the most unique and majestic events during the holidays through the Olympia Yacht Club’s Lighted Ship Parade. Snack on appetizers from Bayview Thriftway while viewing the boats. The parade of boats sails out along the east side of Budd Bay to Boston Harbor and returns along the west shore of Budd Bay back to the Olympia Yacht Club. Either reserve a spot at one of the local restaurants to view the parade or bundle up and watch from the Port Plaza. Then proceed to a local watering hole, like Dillingers or Three Magnets Brewing, for a cozy cocktail to warm you up. Note that the boats are traveling on December 6 so make your plans earlier in the season.
Finding the Right Venue
The most common office holiday party involves dining, conversing and celebrating with the people we spend time with every day on the job. Celebrating with coworkers in a festive and charming setting provides the opportunity to break from the every day norm and have fun with our work friends. While there are many restaurants, event spaces and banquet halls that can be rented throughout Thurston County there are also quaint lcoations nestled just outside the Olympia downtown core such as The Albee’s Garden Parties, which accommodates small and large groups for holiday parties within their indoor and outdoor garden space decorated lovingly for the holidays.
