Holiday Party Planning tips, brought to you by Xceptional Events

LITTLE PEOPLE
Don’t just shut them away in another part of the house; enlist them as part of your entertainment. There is nothing adorable then a child singing a song, doing a dance , or telling some jokes. They will feel like part of the event and their parents will love the opportunity to show them off.

AS NOT TO OFFEND
When inviting a diverse group to your seasonal event, use words like holiday on your invites and decorations. Never assume everyone celebrates the same holidays.

CHEERS!!!
A house drink special can also set the mood for your holiday event, i.e. Cranberry Holiday Punch (2 Cups Vodka, 4 Cups Cranberry Juice, 1 1/2 Cups Rose’s Lime Juice, 2 Cups Water, 3 tbsp. Sugar) . Combine all ingredient s in a large punch bowl. Add a large block of ice to keep it all cool. Serves 20. Or you can also try 7-Up Holiday Bowl (20 ounces raspberries, frozen, in syrup, partially thawed, 12 ounces lemonade, frozen concentrate, thawed 46 ounces pineapple juice, 64 ounces) . Place raspberries and lemonade in blender, process till smooth. Strain into punch bowl. Discard seeds. Stir in pineapple juice. Just before serving, add 7-Up. 7-Up, chilled (Non alcoholic)

KEEPSAKE
Just a little something to let your guests know you appreciate them. It could be as personal as a ribbon trimmed photo card ( O on a heavy card stock frame, place a 4×6 print of you, the family your pet(s), your staff, etc. Get creative and put a ribbon around the frame or an original design of your own. Put a hole in the upper right hand corner of the card and add some string so the picture can be hung. This way, you have a Keepsake ornament for your guests.) If time doesn’t permit or you need something a little more business-like, compressed T has put a new spin on an old concept. Instead of giving away plain old t-shirts, why not give clients t-shirts in the shape of Christmas Trees, Stockings, Wreaths, Candles, or better yet, create your own unique shape.

THIS IS NOT A SHAMELESS PLUG, BUT…
If at all possible hire an event planner to host the day of. You plan every detail of your wonderful evening then bring in a planner to make sure the event runs smoothly. There is nothing worse than doing all the fabulous planning to end up sweating, tried and stressed when the doors open. You should be at your best to greet your guests.

Show your appreciation this Holiday Season!

The holidays are a great time to share your gratitude with those who have helped you in your career and/or business. Also, it’s a great way to stay in touch with those that you might not have spoken to in a while.

1. Remember your customers . :
Get holiday cards that are BRANDED with your company name. You can order them from almost any business supply store, such as Staples and Office Depot for a very reasonable pric e ing.

2. Spice u Up your gifts and be creative .

  • : It can be something as simple as a Holiday card , but maybe it’s done with vellum paper and a two-color imprint or clear cellophane. Maybe it’s a tin of holiday candy with a coupon giving them 10% off their next order with you. I’m sure everyone has special clients—you know… the ones you really want to show how much you appreciate their consistency in supporting you.

Regardless of what you get, the goal is to make an impression and send the message that you thought about them and want them to think about you when they’re ready to do work.

3. Lastly, execute your plan on tim e.

  • Who wants a Christmas card a week after Christmas? Don’t put yourself in a position where your paying rush charges , because you didn’t plan properly. Many of us do get lost in the holiday craze but in general, give yourself a 2-3 week production window for most products that you order.

Holiday Products that you can brand with your logo:
o Spa-Related gifts
o Thermos
o Mugs
o Picture Frames or Albums
o Holiday Bookmarks
o Tote Bags
o Snow Globes
o Hershey Kisses w/ Tin
o Chocolate Chip Cookies w/Tin

Don’t forget online holiday promotions:
o You can e -mail HTML coupons
o Send “custom” e-card s greetings online
o Decorate your website with holiday glitz, i.e.: a little Santa Hat on your logo.
o Throw contests/sweepstakes and have your sponsor donate a Gift Certificate , . i.e.: “Win a Winter Wonderland Escape to the Catskills!”
o Have a 2004 product sale, making room for 2005 items.
If you are interested in ordering any products, let us know. Own Your Power can help you brainstorm on creative ideas and process your orders for thousands of items.

Diane Tinsley, CEO
Xceptional Events, LLC.
917-573-2879
www.XceptionalEvents.com