8 office holiday party ideas people will love

Many offices have a holiday party at the end of the year, but about only a third of employees actually enjoy them.
There are plenty of ways for party planners to spruce up an event to make it more exciting.
If done right, everyone will rush to the office party every year.

The end of the year is approaching and yule tide cheer is making its way into the office.

Plenty of companies will have holiday parties at the office, but that doesn't guarantee employees will have fun.

Too often, the theme is absent and workers stand around sipping spiked egg nog with nothing to talk about. One survey even found that only 36% of employees actually enjoyed the annual office celebration.

Here are fun party ideas that will please even the biggest Scrooges in the office and fill the workplace with holiday spirit.

Treat employees before the party

The party doesn't have to start when the food is served.

Birchbox knows this and is sending hairstylists and makeup artists to its office in preparation of it's annual festivities. Employees can get a new do and makeover for the event to look their best.

Get out of the office

With employees spending so much time in the office, it can be tough to combine desks and computers with the fun atmosphere you want to create.

If the company budget allows it, think about booking a banquet hall or other space to host your celebration. If you feel really adventurous, you can bring the party to a fun establishment like a bowling alley.

Go with a non-holiday theme

The holidays starts earlier every year.

With Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas" getting radio time before Thanksgiving, it is easy for everyone to get fatigued. The traditional holiday theme can also become monotonous when done every year. Throw it back to another decade with a retro theme, have a masquerade ball, or blow up your beach ball for a Hawaiian themed Luau.

Embrace the season of giving

Don't wait for the holidays to make someone's day with a great present.

Many companies have employee programs in December to give back to the community, but perhaps no company is as dedicated to community affairs around the holidays as Delta Airlines. In the past, Delta has partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and other groups for a special holiday moment that would warm the Grinch's heart.

Have a post-New Year's party

'Tis the season for celebrations.

Employees might be going to a lot of holiday parties in the second half of December. Combined with imminent vacations and end-of-year goals and deadlines, an office party might end up as just another task to check off the to-do list.

By pushing the party into January, the event can stand on its own merits without any other worries or party overload.

Have everyone dress up

No party feels like a party in work clothes.

Change the pace with a change of clothes. Everyone in the office can dress up as snowflakes or reindeer's to create a Winter Wonderland or by competing for ugliest Christmas sweater.

Change the menu

Pizza and beer can only be tolerated so many times.

Any party can be spiced up with off-the-wall foods and drinks.

Try a different cuisine that is new to the office and grab a bartender who can stir up seasonal delights in a glass. New food has the additional bonus as a great conversation starter.

Make the 'after-party' safe and easy

Some companies will hire Ubers or cabs to make sure everyone gets home safely and can enjoy the party as much as possible.

The morning after the holiday party can also be a drag sometimes, but Birchbox brightened that work day up by making it Pajama Day. After a long night of drinking, employees will appreciate dressing down and wearing sleep clothes to the office.

Allowing people to come in an hour later or providing breakfast in the morning is also a great ways to keep the holiday cheer going.