Chosen to plan the company Christmas party?

Where do I start? Where should we have it? What should I do about food, entertainment and decorations? The more I think about it the more I feel overwhelmed.

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just call the event planner and then just ask for help or just do every thing they would 've planned for you ,but you do it and save a grand or so.

How big is this company? What did they do about the party last yr and the yer before? What is your budget? There is a huge difference between planning a gala event for 200-2000 and an informal get together for 10-40. The former may need an event planner. The latter may need a local cafe.

A few quick hints for whatevr sixe party
Talk to people at the office. Ask what they did and didn't like about previous parties.

Start yesterday some of the best places and planners are already booked solid. So are some of the best caterers.

Talk to a couple of planners whether you finally use them or not. Take notes on what they say they will need to do and arrange.

Consider sharing the joy with others, perhaps asking each party goer to bring a toy for a needy child perhaps children in a domestic violence shelter (see www.ndvh.org) , something for old people at a senior center, a nonperishible treat that means Christmas to them, adopt a family or group of families for the holidays and maybe beyond.

Find out and accomodate if you have employees for whom the winter holiday is not Christmas? I am not super into politically correct but this is not a time to make anyone feel hurt or excluded especially since it is a company function.

Okay, you have a couple of good suggestions however, you don't state where you are located. So Atlanta might not be good for you and event planners do not just give out advise. They do this for a living so usually there is a charge. HOWEVER if you find a venue the person there will do all the work for you. I would suggest you get a local wedding magazine. Usually major towns have them and find reception halls. The always do corporate work as well but you will need to act fast as at Christmas things book up quickly.

Make some appointments for places that can accommodate the number of people you anticipate attending and check them out. They will usually handle everything else for you. I am currently planning my classes 30th reunion and the place I'm working with will do the catering, decorating, linens for table, china, silverware, centerpieces and dessert for between $25 and $35 per person depending on the menu we choose. All that is left is the DJ and the program.

Good luck. You can do this.