After a year filled with productive meetings and engaging projects, there’s one event that employees eagerly anticipate — the workplace holiday party. It’s a time to indulge in delicious food, sip on festive drinks, and spend time with coworkers in a more relaxed setting. But let’s face it, if your party misses the mark on key details, it can feel more like a chore than a celebration.

Want to plan an office holiday party that everyone will be excited to attend? ezCater put on our party planning hats and surveyed 1,007 full-time employees and 608 decision-makers nationwide to uncover what makes a holiday party truly worth attending. Inspired by the results, we’re sharing six tips to help you host a holiday party that’ll have your coworkers talking (in a good way) well into the new year.

1. Time your office party right

According to ezCater’s Holiday Party Report, 55% of employees want their holiday party to happen in the afternoon during work hours. And it makes perfect sense. The end-of-year season is a time when employees are balancing personal commitments outside of work, from family gatherings to planned trips away. With their schedules already full, they’ll appreciate the chance to celebrate on the clock. 

2. Serve a feast they’ll remember

No party is complete without a memorable feast. In fact, 92% of surveyed employees say the thought of attending a holiday party with exceptional food makes them more excited about the event. So, if you want to boost attendance this year (afterall, the more, the merrier), serving up a delicious meal might be just the ticket. 

Feeling stumped on what to serve? Buffets and food stations are always a safe bet, but ezCater data also shows that employees appreciate having a say in their meal choices. 64% of surveyed employees say they would prefer to choose their own meal, rather than have someone order for the entire group. 

Just think — no more second-guessing if you picked the right dish. It’s possible (and easy) with ezCater’s Group Ordering. This feature allows every employee to select their own meal based on their dietary preferences and needs, taking one more task off your plate. 

3. Skip the forced fun

Every office party needs a fun game…or not. Our data reveals that structured activities aren’t a draw. Only 24% of survey respondents say they look forward to games or activities.

Instead, create opportunities for people to connect effortlessly. Consider adding open seating areas, self-serve dessert bars, and DIY drink mixing stations to encourage easy and enjoyable interactions. These elements can transform your party into a more relaxed and inviting space, where guests feel comfortable engaging with one another — no forced fun required. 

Pro Tip: Skip the organized entertainment, too, as only 22% of employees look forward to it.

4. Host your very own awards ceremony

End-of-year parties are the perfect opportunity to look back on the past 12 months and show  appreciation for your employees with some fun recognition awards. Sure, you might give verbal feedback or incentives throughout the year, but now it’s time to make it official (and public) with an awards ceremony everyone will remember.  

Some engaging award categories could include:

• Innovation Award for the master of creative problem-solving
• Team Player Award for the ultimate collaborator
• Rising Star Award for the one with outstanding growth
• Customer Champion Award for delivering exceptional service
• Spirit Award for embodying the company’s values

These awards not only recognize individual achievements but also boost team spirit and motivation. 

Pro Tip: Keep your speeches short and sweet when presenting each award, as only 9% of employees are interested in hearing executive speeches 

5. Build excitement with early invites

Once you’ve nailed down a date, it’s time to send out those invitations. Getting the word out early not only helps you get an accurate headcount for food, but it also helps you start building buzz around the office. As employees chat about what they’re going to wear, who they’re bringing, and what they’re most excited for, the anticipation will naturally build. 

Pro Tip: Be sure to highlight all the exciting details — like the complimentary feast, the fun awards, and the gift exchanges — to help build excitement (and drive RSVPs). 

6. Allow plus-ones to boost attendance

Sure, it’s fun to socialize with co-workers during the holidays, but it can be even more meaningful when employees bring a loved one to meet the team they spend 8+ hours per day with. In fact, 54% of employees say they’re more likely to attend if they can bring a guest. So, why not allow plus-ones at this year’s event? When your employees feel comfortable, they’re more likely to be engaged and have fun, which makes your office holiday party even more successful. If budget raises concerns, consider something budget-friendly like a taco bar or other low-cost catering options.

Make your office holiday party merry and bright with ezCater

When planning a successful office holiday party, it’s all about the details. One detail you definitely don’t want to overlook? The food. That’s where ezCater comes in. Whether you need holiday catering buffets, group ordering, or individually packaged meals, we’ll make it easy for you to plan a crowd-pleasing holiday feast that will fill your office party with festive cheer. Get started with ezCater today.