So you're in charge of the party planning at your office. You’re up for the task but where do you even begin? How do you throw a festive celebration that fits in with your workplace culture while promoting fun and a sense of camaraderie? Start with the party type and plan your way out from there. Halloween party ideas for example, are especially fun to execute at the office, but all of the necessary to-dos can have you spooked if you're not prepared. Use this quick party-planning guide to help you remember all the details that go into creating a holiday office party that's both enjoyable and memorable.

Start with the Basics

Whether you’re planning a fun Halloween party or a retirement, one of the first things you want to determine is who should be included. Is this a party for just the folks in the office, or are spouses and partners welcome to join? Decide if you want to have the party at your office or at an offsite location. If you're throwing a large holiday party that includes customers or vendors, you probably want to head to a traditional party venue such as a restaurant. You can plan based on a predetermined budget or your budget may be determined by the size, scope and theme of the party. If the theme is obvious, such as Halloween or a co-worker's birthday, focus on that event as you make the plans.

Invites Done Right

To let your fellow office workers know this office party is one that shouldn’t be missed, send an actual invitation rather than issuing a memo. Send a physical party invitation, or create an online invitation that can help you track responses. To create a simple holiday party invite, pick up a pack of holiday-themed printer paper and print invitations that you can post to company bulletin boards and also deliver to each of your co-workers.

Get the Party Started

Even if the bulk of your party decorations are simply balloons and party hats, you can always add in a little something extra to remind people that you're celebrating. Use your creativity to turn an everyday break room into a party venue with clever holiday decorating choices. For example, Halloween party decorations can include hanging ghosts made quickly out of cheesecloth or a standard trash can decorated to look like a monster waiting to feast on the party trash. Consider wrapping the door to the Halloween party room with gauze or cotton batting to resemble a spooky spider web.

Menu Planning

Unless you're planning a sit-down dinner for a special occasion, finger foods are by far the best choice for an office party. If your budget allows it, talk to a caterer about a menu. If you need to provide the food, use your imagination to go beyond chips and dip. For instance, if you're planning a Halloween party, you can decorate cookies to look like zombie eyes or add vampire fangs to glazed donuts. If your holiday party is a potluck, encourage co-workers to go all out in creating imaginative party treats. Make sure to consider various dietary needs and include gluten-free and vegetarian snacks. Don't forget to pick up festive and theme-appropriate plates, tablecloths, cups and utensils, and bring in extra tables and seating, as needed.

Bring on the Fun

Get the office party started by greeting guests at the door with a drink or a bowl of holiday-themed candy. If you're planning some party activities, whether it be games, a speech from the boss, or a celebratory cake for a co-worker, get them started at the height of the party, which usually occurs just before the halfway mark. If you're planning a Halloween party, encourage everyone to wear costumes. If you work for a large company, challenge departments to come up with group costumes; for instance, workers from a department could each come as a character from the same popular TV show. Consider holding a Halloween costume contest for the funniest, scariest or best office-related costume. Consider a small token gift for the winning team or costume.

When you throw an office party, focus on creating a wonderful experience for your colleagues. Choose from these great office party ideas to give everyone a fun time that celebrates the bonds you share..