Corporate Events Blog

It is that time of the year, the Do’s and don’ts for Christmas Parties

#1 Do not under any circumstances dance with you boss.  First, that’s just awkward and no doubt people will talk behind your back.  Second…..there is no second just don’t do it.

#2 Three drink maximum.  If you decide to have more, you are on your own buddy and will probably pay for it in the office on Monday.

#3 Karaoke, always optional but there are always rules if you must.  No sappy songs, no hard-core rock, nothing raunchy, lets do something traditional and funny, everyone knows the words to so they can sing along and cover your wrenched voice.

#4 One word, Taxi.

#5 Attire, although I love tacky Christmas sweaters they are only appropriate for tacky Christmas sweater parties.  I saw one lady wear red metallic tights with open toed shoes, that is also a “no, no.”  Ladies if you have to pull it up or down its inappropriate, get a clue.  Gentleman, business attire no casual wear this is not the farm or Monday Night Football.

#6 Lets talk about table manners.  This is not Medieval Times (although I love that place), we don’t eat with our hands and we use napkins.  Ladies it is okay to eat everything on your plate.  Don’t forget to excuse yourself from the table, double check your teeth, bring a refresher/mint if you love onions or garlic like me, and don’t whisper at the table (no one likes a “secretive sally or a “Judgmental Judy”).  If the food sucks, don't be to dramatic about it.

#7 When choosing a date, lets try to pick someone we have known for more than three months.  You have to know that they have manners, can hold a normal/appropriate conversation with your co-workers, and at three months you should know that they can dress well.  Suggestion always pick-up your date so you can evaluate them before they get in your car, you still have the opportunity to drive off.

#8 Gossip, I mean I am totally down with "the gossip" but I would even keep it to a minimum at a Christmas Party.  No one wants to hear who hates who, who broke up, who should get fired, why she shouldn’t be wearing that. Last night at a large company party while riding down the elevator with eight strangers I thought to myself, “what an odd couple, what is she wearing jeans, he was wearing a tuxedo….” my mind kind of drifted but I kept my mouth shout.

#9 Don’t be a stiff and have a good time!

Well it’s that time of year, everyone is out and about spreading Holiday Cheer for all to hear, cooking baked goods, Fa La La La La’ing, shopping till their dropping, sitting on Santa’s lap, snow blowing or ice sickle eating (not here in Houston…that’s for sure).

Speaking of shopping till your dropping….office gifts…….don’t forget about leaving room in the budget for those!

Must you feel so obligated to get something whether it is Candy or an elaborate gift basket for your co-workers? 

Never feel obligated, but if the thought of wanting too crosses your mind then you better do it or you will feel guilty when you don’t and then see that someone else does.

Do you feel like if one person does something you have to as well?

I do occasionally feel guilty when someone in the office gets something for everyone and I have nothing to give in return, always think ahead. If it’s a hard time for you, then a simple card with a personal message is always thoughtful!

Can you be selective or just get something for the co-workers you associate with?

I believe you can just get something small for those who are your close coworkers, especially if you work in a larger office.  If you work in a smaller office and are going to make the effort to do something for Christmas, I believe it is a must to do something for all or do nothing at all.  For example, in my office I have five co-workers that are constantly in the office with me (I have plenty more who work FOH and BOH) and I will get something for each person.  I believe it is more the thought and effort rather than the cost. 

Am I going to crochet them a scarf?  Absolutely not, I don’t have enough time nor do I know how to crochet.  There are several simple things you can do for coworkers that are in expensive and don’t take much time.  For example, fill a mason jar with pancake batter, cookie batter, soup mix, Hot chocolate, homemade salsa, Candy, or even make a snow globe.  All recipes and instructions can be attached on the front and signed on the bottom.  These types of gifts are inexpensive, easy to buy in bulk, and easy to assemble.  Other ideas include decorated memo notes with a small pen (Hobby Lobby, Marshalls Homegoods or Wal-Mart), Nail Polish for the Ladies, Set Golf Teas for the Guys, paperweights to match the personality are easy to find at Homegood stores including World Market/Cost Plus.  If you want to do something personal related to you, pick out your favorite seasoning put a twine bow with a tag around it and put on each person’s desk.  Candy is sometimes a good idea, but please avoid the items that don’t even look appealing to you.  If  you need something extra special for the boss, I am an expert on gift baskets, I LOVE THEM!  If you know what that person is into make it a theme basket.  I am big into Wine and Food and trip to World Market where there sell items individually works great so I can personalize it.

Merry Christmas!

Expressing one’s gratitude of thanks; originated before the year 900. 

A simple expression that has been around for hundreds of years; yet sometimes so few and far between.   I am not naming names, but I can remember the one time I was “thanked” in over in 2.5 years of employment at a previous job.  I remember the feeling of awkwardness and shock I felt after hearing those two simple words.  I was simply doing my ritual chore on a Saturday morning preparing for daily meetings when “peek-a-boo” and “thank you”.  With cross eyed confusion….my reply was “For what?” and of course the reply was “For doing a good job” woohoo it’s about time!!  I am a believer in “thank you’s”!  It’s the little things that we should all take the time do.  You know the saying, “It never hurts to ask” well it also “Never hurts to say Thank You.”

We are in the time of year where everyone is giving thanks, so let’s not forget to thank our bosses, coworkers, employees, back of the house, front of the house, business associates, ect. 

Thank you needs to make a year-around comeback!

Happy Thanksgiving!! Gobble Gobble!

To piggyback on my Blog last Friday…..A couple Dos and Don’ts I like to stick by and believe you should to when networking.

DO post your profile on LinkedIn, Facebook and/or Twitter (whatever you find more appropriate), and join all relevant discussions. For some reason it took me sometime to be convinced to jump on the LinkedIn “Bandwagon”, mainly because I just thought of it as another profile to create and keep track of.  But LinkedIn has especially helped me connect with many people in my industry, it also post jobs daily that are relevant to your profile. 

DON’T forget to bring a lot of business cards.  No one wants to be that guy that says, “Sorry I’m all out” or “I forgot”.  That’s a great way to make a first impression, not!

DO ditch the Clique.  Guilty! I prefer to stick around with my coworkers, it is obviously a more comforting situation.  But let’s be honest, if this is one of your problems try going to an event alone to break out of that shell.

DON’T feel obligated to set up one-on-ones.  Sometimes they are hard to duck out of because you can’t find an appropriate way to turn them down.  But if you don’t see them as being able to help you then it is best not to waste your time and theirs.   

DO make it personal.  Besides knowing everything about what someone does for a living, try to get to know something personal about them as well.  You can always address this in your follow-up email after meeting them. This will let that person know that you don’t just care about what they can do for you.

DO try to attend a variety of events.  Don’t just stick to the “same ole, same ole” or you are going to keep networking with the “same ole, same ole” and really you can’t even consider that networking.  Branch out, even if it is not in your own industry. 

DON’T drink too much at evening events.  Let’s just leave it at that….

I know that some of these might seem like no brainers to people, but read through them thoroughly it is at least a nice reminder. 

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like my least favorite thing to do is to network.  I would say that 90% of the time I don’t feel like it is because I don’t feel like I am any good at it. Sure I am great socially around friends and their friends, but when it comes to business I feel like awkward Ashley comes out of her shell and sounds like the teacher on Snoopy “Wa Wa Wa Wa.”  In the events/hospitality industry, as in most industries, it is necessary to go to the social events and put yourself out there.  Well I have discovered some amazing hints that helped me not feel like the “Awkward Ashley”.

1. Have a Solid Introduction, I mean we all now first impressions last.  I am horrible with names, but I remember those who make a good first impact.  So dress to impress, collect yourself, and don’t go into a large group of people start with one person or a group of two or three people.  I personally like to catch a small portion of someone’s conversation (yes I “spy” and no I am not ashamed) and jump in with a small comment, then you are automatically included into the conversation and will slowly start to meet people.
2. If you want to make people feel awkward, start off by telling a sob story.  Nothing like a real gusher to get the party going, right?  Whether you are networking for a new job or to make those important connections no one wants to hear that your dog died yesterday or the fact that you haven’t had a job for six months for whatever reason.  You are there to have a good time, talk about something positive.
3. Don’t be a business card “hander outer” because chances are, is that I am going to throw it away.  Take the time to introduce yourself and be interested in what the other person does, as well.  Listening is key to building a relationship.
4. Everyone has had the awkward moment of silence, but avoid being socially inept by being prepared.  Everyone has an interesting work or personal story to “piggy back” onto what the previous conversation was about.  Always have this in your back pocket, but remember keep it short, simple, and to the point. 
5. Follow up and Follow through, like when applying for jobs you always send an email or letter to show interest and to thank you.  Remember that individual might not always be the right person to help you if needed, but they might know someone and be willing to connect you with them.

Always remember the important “to-do’s” eye contact, an arms length of personal space, and a strong handshake.  Networking might not be your favorite thing, but it can always be enjoyable when you know you are going into an event and feel like you can dominate the room.

“Excuse me bartender….I’ll take a slightly dirty Gin Martini, preferably with two blue cheese stuffed olives, thank you!”  

Doesn’t that (or any drink of choice) sound refreshing after a long, hard day at the office?  Doesn’t it sound even more refreshing to have it be on your boss’s tab?  I have come to learn in my ten years of employment that waking up in the morning with the anticipation of an appreciation event from my boss makes a much more productive day, as well as puts me in a much more "happy" mood.

Top Ten reasons why treating your employees to “Happy Hour Event” at the Courtyard on St. James can only benefit:

1. Happy people work better with others
2. Happy people are more creative
3. Happy people fix problems instead of complaining about them
4. Happy people have more energy
5. Happy people are more optimistic
6. Happy people are way more motivated
7. Happy people get sick less often
8. Happy people learn faster
9. Happy people worry less about making mistakes – and consequently make fewer mistakes
10. Happy people make better decisions

Why should we be concerned about whether people are happy at work? Aren't there more important issues such as sales, marketing, finance and operations? The truth is all of these issues are better met by employees who are happy and who enjoy their work.

It’s simple……let The Courtyard do the planning and the gratitude from the “Happy people” will follow.

They say all that is old will become new again.  Maybe it’s a sign I’m getting old?  When things come back, reinvented and labeled vintage?  I am a huge fan of this movement; I’m an even bigger fan when it’s something I think should have never left us in the first place. 

The Office Happy Hour (and Classic Martini!!!) is something I miss terribly.  I love that it is making a come back, I have no idea why we stopped having them!  Want a raise?  Close a deal? Ask the girl from the 3^rd floor out? Talk your boss into casual Friday?  What better way to do all those things than over a well deserved martini after a grueling work day!  Have clients to entertain?  What’s better than a casual happy hour?  It’s not stuffy, not pretentious, and not expensive.

The Courtyard on St James has 5 distinct Happy Hour Menus, perfectly themed and ready to book!  Grab your office staff and celebrate one martini at a time.  Call  me at 713-621-0555 to plan your next office party.

Want your employees to give their all?  Show them the love!  Employee appreciation has been shown to motivate a positive attitude, ignite inner spark and build a sense of loyalty.  How do you show appreciation?  Well, the first answer is obvious-cold hard cash.  But a great alternative to boost morale is an office party!  The March 2nd, 2012 is Employee Appreciation Day, this (often ignored) holiday seems to have fallen by the way side...like Flag Day or National Margarita Day.  It's time to revive the ever important holiday and celebrate!  We have 3 rooms for just such parties, from 30-300.  Show your employees they are valued by way of great food and cocktails. 

Call us for details and see what specials we are running for Employee Appreciation Day.  713-621-0555

 Breaking the ice during a holiday party can be an arduous task.  Make it easier on yourself and have a fail proof plan.  Casino parties are all the rage; they appeal to every age group and are easy to organize.  

Hire an experienced company to set-up your tables with friendly professional staff to get the ball rolling.   Allow the company to bring a variety of games, appealing to the masses.   

It's the perfect ending to a seated meal filled with speeches and awards and enables your staff to mingle.  Sitting around a roulette table will get everyone excited and feed into friendly competition. 

The Courtyard on St. James has the perfect venue for your next holiday party.  We work with many professional casino companies to set-up the perfect party and ensure a night of great fun. Call me at 713-621-0555 to get the party started!

picture sourse: http://www.casinopartycompanies.com

Believe it or not June is the time to start thinking about your corporate holiday party.  Too soon? Not a chance. 

I constantly see overworked office admins, tired HR people, and stressed secretaries scrambling at the 11th hour to find a venue in October that will not look like something they found last minute.  Truth be told,  if you take your prime date off the market in June you will have nothing to worry about in December.... other than coordinating the white elephant gift exchange and keeping that one special person away from the egg nog.