Organising a Party

Here's some useful vocabulary if you're organising an office party or a party at your house for Christmas, New Year, or another special event.

Does your party have a theme?

Will you ask people to come in fancy-dress? (For example, there are Halloween-themed events at Halloween.) What sort of costume do you want people to dress in? Is it a period look ("Swinging 60s") or another type of look (Hollywood) for example?

How big is the party?

Do you need to organise outside caterers, or entertainers? (This is especially useful for children's parties, where you might get a special children's entertainer like a magician.) Do you need to hire someone to run a disco, or can someone from Accounts rig up some speakers for music?

Who are you going to invite?

Many office parties are limited just to people from the office, but you might also invite employees' partners, or even customers or clients.

What are you going to write on the invitation?

Formal invitations:

We'd be delighted if you could attend our party on.. (date) at… (place) at… (time)

Moss Bros would like to invite
…… (plus one guest)
to the firm's annual dinner dance, to be held at (etc)

Informal invitations:

You're all cordially invited to attend the annual Moss Bros party.

Please come to our party / lunch / dinner on… (date) at… (time).

Don't forget to add any essential instructions, such as directions (= how to get to your house / office) or to ask people to bring something (Please bring a bottle) or on what to wear / do (i.e. if you're holding something like a Murder Mystery evening where guests need to wear a costume and perform a role.)

Decorations

Decorations add to the party atmosphere. If you're planning a theme, decorations are easier to think about. Otherwise, get busy with the coloured paper, sellotape, and scissors!

What's going to happen at the party

Is it a place for people to meet each other, have a bite to eat, and a couple of glasses of something to drink? Will you have special games or competitions that encourage people to stay longer? Will you give out presents (like a secret Santa?)

Who's in the organising committee?

With all the catering, decorations, invitations etc to think about, you might need a team of people to help you. Delegate responsibility and make people in charge of catering, invitations, etc.