Self-isolation and social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t have parties. Lots of people are holding online parties using zoom, skype and other online platforms. And you can still dress up!
Office Parties
Organise an office morning tea or luncheon celebration and inject a bit of fun in the working day!
How to Make an Office Party Calendar
Organise a birthdays list so no one gets forgotten.
If you don't have a designated person who is responsible for organising parties, make a party roster. Once you have an office party calendar for the year (birthdays plus other special events), divvy it up by fortnight or month.
Our top tip – have two or three people rostered on for party duty at any one time to spread the workload – they can remind each other, and there's no problem if someone is off sick.
If you do have a designated person who organises the office parties, make sure someone else steps in for their birthday. And don't leave the receptionist or admin assistant to organise Office Professionals Day – ouch!
And, of course, add any other of our general party themes that take your fancy.
Office Party Tips
Finger foods are usually best. Simple finger foods include crackers or crunchy veg sticks and cheese or dips, pikelets (from the supermarket) with jam and cream, fruit, and the usual chips and lollies. Get a cake for birthdays. And a bottle of sparkling water, fruit juice and soft drink.
Buffets are good for major events but take more time and organisation. Easy basics like a hot chicken, ham, bread rolls and butter, cherry tomatoes and washed salad leaves go a long way, or pick up some ready-made platters.
Stick with disposable plates, cups, and utensils or someone will be stuck with a mammoth cleanup task – see party catering supplies.
Who pays? If you don't have a budget, you could ask everyone to chip in – but be aware that not everyone might want to contribute their lunch money to office parties, so keep it modest.
Build a small collection of party decorations (streamers, candles, special birthday-person hats, etc) for office use – see party decorations.
Office Party Rules
If you're planning a social event and night or on the weekend, especially where alcohol is available, make some ground rules and ensure everyone know them. Go further than telling everyone they shouldn't drink too much and embarrass themselves, make it a rule that everyone should watch out for each other.
No giving drinks to anyone who has already had too much.
No games that encourage over-indulgence.
If someone is getting into trouble, help them out. No “bystander effect” excuses.
Party Lighting disco lights, Chinese paper lanterns, glow in the dark and much more
Suggested Products
When I Die the Cat Gets Everything Desk Sign When I Die the Cat Gets Everything Desk Sign. Say What. Cats are the funniest and most hilarious pets, they make us laugh all the time. So it only seems fair to reason that when you pass, your cat gets everything, right? I mean, they're the one who is always there for you, so break it to the family that they get, well, nothing! Let them down easy with this hilarious "When I Die the Cat Gets Everything" Desk Sign! from Coolthings.com.au
Warm it Up Cat USB Cup Warmer Warm it Up Cat USB Cup Warmer. Legami. There are few things in life that inspire more joy in a cat lover than a cat-themed gift that keeps your coffee warm! The Warm it Up Cat USB Cup Warmer is something that you will actually get to use and enjoy every day – unless the cat gets in the way! It's a great housewarming gift for a friend (or yourself), to bring a little cattitude into your home office. from Coolthings.com.au
Speak Up Gift Box Speak Up Gift Box. CoolThings Australia. Bring some humour to the everyday and the mundane with this handy Speak Up Gift Box! Containing 8 different conversational buttons that do the talking for you, there's something to cover just about every situation! Whatever it is, there's a button for it, all individually packaged inside this one-off gift box for your enjoyment! Containing over $120 worth of talking buttons, each with multiple answers and phrases, it's time to get your point across. Place them on your desk, in the office, in a Christmas stocking, wherever! from Coolthings.com.au
Grumpy Old Man Desk Sign Grumpy Old Man Desk Sign. Say What. I bet you never dreamed that one day you'd become a grumpy old man. But here you are! Or maybe you're looking for a gift for a grouchy old man, but don't know how far to push the boundaries. This Grumpy Old Man Desk Sign gets straight to the point. It's ideal for even the grumpiest of grouches! from Coolthings.com.au
I Can Explain It Desk Sign I Can Explain It Desk Sign. Say What. Showcase your readiness to mentor others with this comic and slightly sarcastic acrylic "I Can Explain It" Desk Sign! Let your students, employees (or children) know that you can explain something to them, but you can't understand it for them. The last part is up to them. You're job is done! from Coolthings.com.au
If I Go Missing Desk Sign If I Go Missing Desk Sign. Say What. Every parent can relate to having to use the bathroom with a toddler wrapped around their ankles, right? This oh-so-relatable desk sign reads "If I go missing, follow my kids. They can find me no matter where I hide". from Coolthings.com.au
I Was the Boss Until I Got A Cat Desk Sign I Was the Boss Until I Got A Cat Desk Sign. Say What. If you've got a new addition in your family, you'll most likely relate to the "I Was the Boss Until I Got A Cat" Desk Sign. Pop one on your desk to let everyone know that you surrender, you're now the number one employee! from Coolthings.com.au
My Cat Can Have Better Lives Desk Sign My Cat Can Have Better Lives Desk Sign. Say What. You'll find your cat sleeping away the 9-5 hours, so make sure you understand their expectations… They'll expect you work hard and pamper them well, and if you're anything like me, you'll be more than happy to oblige! So demonstrate your commitment to your feline friend with this "My Cat Can Have Better Lives" Desk Sign. from Coolthings.com.au
Worlds Okayest Boss Desk Sign Worlds Okayest Boss Desk Sign. Say What. The "Worlds Okayest Boss" Desk Sign will let them know that they're not too bad in your books, but they're not too great either! A great gag gift to get a rise out of your head honcho. from Coolthings.com.au
Senior Moment In Progress Desk Warning Sign Senior Moment In Progress Desk Warning Sign. CoolThings Australia. Can't keep up with the workplace pace? Maybe it's time to surrender and raise a smile when you're lost in full swing. Put your colleagues and friends on high alert with this eye-catching yellow and black Senior Moment in Progress Desktop Warning Sign! from Coolthings.com.au
Desktop Emojifier Flip Book Desktop Emojifier Flip Book. CoolThings Australia. Everyone know emoticons are the cool little faces and icons you use to show your mood when sending texts so the cool boffins over at BooksByBoxer thought "why not bring them into the real world?" Each page of this cool Desktop Emojifier Flip Book is divided into 4 sections and each section has a different icon. You simply flip to create a unique message that fits your current frame of mind. from Coolthings.com.au
