This part of the winter can get pretty tedious up in the northern regions of the U.S.  No doubt the entire country, however, finds itself restless for the more carefree days of summer.  We still have to wait it out, but a respite from winter, if only for the afternoon, could be just what the doctor ordered.  Today’s company and office party idea is: The Wintertime BBQ!

If it’s within the company budget, consider having your lunchtime barbeque catered.  Bring in a caterer who can set up classic summertime picnic fare, or go whole hog and have a pig roast.

Is a caterer a little too steep on the budget?  No problem.  Go with a potluck and encourage everyone to contribute their favorite summer dish.  Set up grills in the parking lot and serve hot dogs and hamburgers with all the fixings.  Tell coworkers they can wear their Hawaiian shirts, sunglasses, and straw hats that day if they wish.  While everyone’s eating, play some Beach Boys tunes or luau music.  Try covering the tables with red and white checkered tablecloths and string colorful patio lights over the potluck table.  Prop up a beach umbrella in one corner and put a lawn chair and a cooler filled with beverages beneath the umbrella.

Offering  a few door prizes always livens things up, and it’s also the perfect opportunity to publicly recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals or teams with plaques or awards.  For the door prizes, stay with the summer theme.  Try items such as this folding chair with a built-in cooler beneath and your company logo on the chair back.  Or how about a backpack filled with all the necessities for the winner to have their own picnic?  If you want to keep things economical, go with items such as company tees and hats, gardening and yard tools, and tailgating accessories.

Waiting for warmer weather doesn’t have to be a drag.  Anticipate it in a fun and social manner with afternoon of summertime food and good times at your own company or office party!  Who knows, you may just encourage the sun to heat things up early this year.  Now, there’s something to appreciate!

Like our suggestions?  Learn more about these and other great ideas by calling us at 1-888/664-6449.  And make sure to subscribe to our blog.  More fun company and office party ideas are on the way!

For many companies, the holidays mean the perfect time for award presentations.  Perhaps your company saves this special time of year to hand out plaques and awards for a job well done, years of service, and other mile-markers.  To make your presentations more meaningful than a visit from St. Nick himself, it’s always best to make the occasion stand out.  

For some companies, years of service awards are sent directly to the recipient’s house.  That approach may be easy, but it’s certainly lacking.  The office Christmas party is the perfect time to hand out the award while everyone is present.  Set aside a special time during the party to recognize all those special achievements.  Such an occasion is sure to be remembered fondly for years to come.

If the holiday party has already come and gone, or if your company cut back this year and isn’t having its usual shin-dig, try pulling coworkers together in the break room for a quick but thoughtful presentation.  Simple things like making sure there’s plenty of good fresh coffee, some holiday cookies, and perhaps some music and a few decorations will help mark the event as something notable. 

In many ways, an award’s presentation can be just as important as the item itself, perhaps even more so.  It shows the company truly appreciates its employees, and isn’t just going through the motions of passing out plaques because that’s what a company is supposed to do.  Don’t miss this golden opportunity to let your employees know how important they are!  There’s nothing like the spirit of the season to make your thanks be even more heartfelt than ever.