5 Tips for Hosting a Memorable and Fun Company Holiday Party

Creating a pleasurable and unforgettable event is a high priority if you’ve been planning your company’s next holiday party. You likely want to ensure that it’s hosted at a beautiful Lancaster County event venue, serves delicious food and drinks, and has plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Melhorn Manor can take away the stress of planning an exceptional company party.

In the four years since Jess and Allory Melhorn took ownership of our historic property, they have helped make hundreds of weddings and events successful, memorable, and beautiful. They understand what it’s like to plan a large or small party and can help act as coordinators throughout your special event. With their help and following the advice in these next five tips, you are sure to create a holiday party everyone will love.

1. Choose an Out-of-Office Event Space

Having a company holiday party allows your employees to socialize with co-workers they don’t usually see and boosts morale and culture. The benefits are even more significant when you choose a Lancaster County event venue, like Melhorn Manor, instead of an in-office party. It shows that you genuinely appreciate all your employees’ hard work and builds even more camaraderie between staff.

In-office parties can often feel like work, and they can sometimes compel employees to just eat their food at their desks instead of socializing with others. An event space outside of the office makes the party more memorable. Melhorn Manor is the perfect event space for your holiday party. With plenty of room to hold up to 300 people in either the Equestrian Barn, Corn Barn, or Tobacco Barn, having your event here in Mount Joy, PA, is a fantastic option.

2. Set a Date and Budget

As with most special events like weddings and engagement parties, setting the date and budget are some of the first things you’ll want to do. First, you’ll need to decide on your budget. Don’t forget to account for items like a Lancaster County event venue, catering, drinks, entertainment, and activities. Once you set the budget, you can choose a date for the special day.

You’ll want to contact your banquet hall as early as possible to ensure you can reserve the date you want. Many event locations, including Melhorn Manor, schedule non-wedding events about six months in advance. Booking an event with Melhorn Manor is super easy, too. All you must do is get in touch with us and see if your date is available.

We offer free tours of our property so that you can truly appreciate the beauty and charm of this stunning venue. Be sure to schedule your time before arriving at our location so that we can anticipate your arrival. Once your date is confirmed, you can continue planning the rest of the party.

3. Choose a Theme

A themed holiday party is a great way to add extra excitement to the night. Choosing a theme also helps you decide on the type of holiday party you want to create. Do you want a formal event with fine dining? Then perhaps a Great Gatsby or black and white theme is appropriate.

How about a casual affair with a tasty barbecue? Then an ugly Christmas sweater or Mardi Gras theme may work better. Whatever you decide, ensure the theme matches the tone of the party you want to have.

4. Create Fun Food and Drink Options

One of the most fun aspects of planning any event—whether it be a baby shower, wedding day, rehearsal dinner, other kinds of ceremonies, or receptions—is picking the food. Here at Melhorn Manor, we have a list of delicious caterers, many of which can provide table linens and bar service for your holiday party. With all types of food options available, you are sure to find the right food to match the tone and theme of your holiday party.

Consider having fun food and drink stations, like:

• A hot cocoa and coffee bar
• Decorate-your-own cookie
• Seasonal mocktails
• Christmas candy table

5. Decide on Memorable Event Activities

Our final tip is to make sure you plan memorable activities. These activities are a great team-building opportunity. Include a DJ or band to entertain your employees with plenty of holiday songs. Some other unique activities to consider include:

• An event photographer
• A fun photo booth with lots of holiday props
• Employee awards and recognition
• A door prize raffle (consider giving away extra vacation time as a prize)
• Goody bags filled with treats, office supplies, and other fun accessories
• A trivia contest
• Gingerbread house building

What Are Some Dos and Don’ts of a Holiday Office Party?

As a bonus to this list of tips, we thought we’d give you a list of some dos and don’ts of hosting a holiday office party.

Choose Melhorn Manor for a Memorable Holiday Party at a Lancaster County Event Venue Not Too Far from Lancaster, Reading, Harrisburg, or York, PA!

For a great Lancaster County event venue, look no further than Melhorn Manor! Our unique property is situated on 3.5 acres, the perfect place to host your next corporate event. Not too far from downtown Lancaster or York, PA, our award-winning location will help create the memorable holiday party you want.

We have on-site parking and hourly rates for your convenience, and you won’t find more caring owners than ours! Allory and Jess will be there to ensure your holiday party runs smoothly and can help manage all your vendors, from catering to the DJ.

Don’t risk throwing a party that no one remembers at your office. Instead, let Melhorn Manor help you create an event that your employees will be talking about for years to come!