Holiday Drink Contest

This year’s chic party theme was “Le Holiday en Blanc” where guests were fabulously dressed in winter white, the decorations were white with sparkly gold and silver accents, and the signature drink, of course, was white.

The ingredient list was posted a week prior so everyone had the opportunity to secretly submit their festive ideas for the name of our workplace holiday party’s Signature Drink. The prize was dinner for two at our favorite Southbay restaurant, Baran’s 2239. The contest created quite a buzz leading up to the party…

Ingredient List

• vanilla vodka
• white chocolate liqueur
• white creme de cacao
• half and half
• sugar rim

Super Creative Contest Entries

BING CROSBY

DREAMY CREAMY COCO BLANC

HOLIDAY’S DELIGHT

HOLY NIGHT

IF KISSES WERE SNOWFLAKES

JACK FROST ON THE ROCKS

LA’S MELTED SNOWFLAKE

LE BLANC NOEL

LIQUID WONDERLAND

MELTED SPUN SUGAR

SANTA’S BEARD

SANTA’S ICING

SANTA’S WHITE NIGHT CAP

SCHNOCKERED SNOWFLAKE

SEX ON THE SNOW

SNOWMELT

SWEET SPIKED SNOW WHITE

THE TIPSY SNOWMAN

THE TOASTED MARSH FELLOW

UP TO SNOW GOOD

VANILLA SKY

VANILLA VODKA ARCTIC BLAST

WHITE CHRISTMAS

WHITE DIET COKE

WHITE VELVET DREAM

WHITEOUT

WINTER WONDERLAND

And The Winner Is:

In keeping with the theme, the party planning committee voted Laura’s “Le Blanc Noël” as the name of the signature drink. Iyan’s “Dreamy Creamy Coco Blanc” was the runner up. Congrats!

Read About Our Past Parties:

Ski Lodge Theme Holiday Party: Baby It’s Cold Outside!

Brouwerij West: Holiday Party in a Working Brewery

For Workplace Party Planners

MY TIPS FOR PLANNING HOLIDAY PARTIES FOR THE WORKPLACE

Plan the party with HELP from other colleagues (those who love to plan parties too).

CHECK OUT THE VENUE in advance with the party planner team. Stay for drinks and appetizers to bond and brainstorm party ideas.

Create a party planner PINTEREST BOARD to share ideas.

“SAVE THE DATE.” Send an email to let guests know the date well in advance of the party.

Plan your business party date EARLY in the holiday season so as not to conflict with personal holiday parties. A SUNDAY evening in early December from 5 to 9 PM seems to work best for our workplace parties.

Promote the party at work, CREATE A BUZZ.

Choose a CONVENIENT location, not too far from place of business.

If possible, rent out a PRIVATE SPACE.

Have clear COMMUNICATION (in writing) with the Chef regarding food and with the Manager regarding expectations for set up and service.

Encourage employees to BRING A GUEST whether it be a spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend.

Encourage guests to DRESS IN “HOLIDAY SPIRIT.” Whether that means a tacky sweater or holiday chic, it’s all in the spirit of the season!

Sending a pretty and JOYFUL PRINTED INVITATION indicates your intention to throw a special party.

Have specific START AND END TIMES. Everyone gets home at a reasonable hour to work the next day.

Work with the management to create a FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE. The venue usually supplies a CHRISTMAS TREE and decorations, we like to create our own UNIQUE CENTERPIECES. CANDLES create a special warm glow.

Plan the party at an establishment where there is a bar area, or ROOM TO MINGLE. Remember, once guests take their seats for dinner, they only socialize with those at their table.

Hold COCKTAIL HOUR from 5 to 6:30 PM so there is plenty of time to mingle. Begin DINNER SERVICE at 6:30 so there is plenty of time to dance after dinner.

The host should PAY for valet service (if offered) and all gratuities (NO tip jar on the bar).

Accommodate special dietary needs such as VEGETARIAN, VEGAN and GLUTEN-FREE. Ask guests to indicate their special dietary needs when they RSVP so this can be communicated to the restaurant ahead of time.

Serve beverages that complement the meal, serve quality wines and festive Champagne, and offer a range of non-alcoholic drinks.

LIVE MUSIC or a DJ adds to the party atmosphere. Choose music that appeals to your entire group. We play a mix of half CHRISTMAS SONGS and half PARTY SONGS that spanned the decades.

Play some holiday GAMES, give PRIZES, award those dressed in the best HOLIDAY SPIRIT.

The host can make a brief SPEECH, welcome guests, share good tidings.

Give special/unique PARTY FAVORS to take home.

Ensure SAFE transportation for all the guests.

Happy Holidays!