If you're looking to spread some holiday cheer at the office, an Ugly Sweater Party is a fun and easy way to bring everyone together! From hilarious sweaters to festive activities, here’s a step-by-step guide to organizing an unforgettable event.
Step 1: Plan Your Party Date
First things first: choose a date for the party. The easiest way to find a date that works for everyone is by using a mix of collaboration tools and clear communication. Here are a few examples:
Use a Polling Tool
Start by sending a quick poll using tools like Doodle, Google Forms, or Microsoft Outlook’s scheduling assistant. These tools allow everyone to select the dates that work best for them, and you can instantly see which option has the highest availability.
Set Clear Expectations
Provide instructions in the email or message accompanying the poll, including a response deadline. It’s important to stress that the sooner everyone responds, the faster the event can be scheduled.
Account for Key Stakeholders
If there are certain coworkers whose attendance is crucial, like department heads or managers, prioritize their availability when selecting date options. Reach out to them beforehand to get their input on availability before opening it up to the whole team.
Send a Confirmation
Once the majority has voted, select the date with the best availability and send out a confirmation email or calendar invite with all the details. This ensures everyone is on the same page and the event is officially scheduled. Don’t forget to mention that ugly sweaters are mandatory!
Step 2: Decorate the Space
If your office has a common area or break room, that's the perfect spot. To give it that holiday vibe, you'll want to add some fun decorations:
Tacky tinsel garlands, paper snowflakes, and string lights.
Create a photo backdrop with holiday props like oversized candy canes, Santa hats, or fake snow.
Set up a sweater display area where people can show off their ugly masterpieces.
Keep the vibe lighthearted and fun—don’t aim for Pinterest-perfect!
Step 3: Plan Activities and Contests
An Ugly Sweater Party isn’t complete without some friendly competition. Here are a few activities to keep things lively:
Ugliest Sweater Contest: Offer prizes for categories like “Ugliest Sweater,” “Most Creative,” or “Most Festive.”
DIY Ugly Sweater Decorating Station: Provide fabric markers, sequins, and holiday patches for people to add last-minute flair to their sweaters.
Holiday Bingo or Trivia: Fun, easy games to get people mingling and laughing.
Photo Booth Fun: Set up a spot with goofy props (think antlers, Rudolph noses, and elf hats) so people can snap festive pics.
Step 4: Snacks, Drinks, and Sweet Treats
It’s not a party without food and drinks! Keep things easy with finger foods and snacks:
Holiday-themed snacks: Think mini sandwiches, sliders, or festive wraps.
Seasonal treats: Sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and ugly sweater cookies—and hey, we can help with that 😉!
A hot chocolate station with marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint sticks will be a crowd-pleaser. If your office allows, spike it with some Baileys or rum.
For drinks, keep it simple with festive punch or mocktails and maybe a bottle or two of bubbly for a holiday toast!
Step 5: Liven Up the Party
To keep the energy up, make sure you have a fun playlist ready. Holiday music is a must, but mix in some throwback hits to keep it fresh and avoid things getting too repetitive.
To get people involved, consider:
A white elephant gift exchange with a low price limit (around $10-$20).
Karaoke with holiday classics if your team is the fun-loving type.
Ugly sweater runway walk where each participant shows off their outfit and tells a story behind their sweater!
Step 6: Wrap It Up
As the party winds down, be sure to:
Announce the contest winners and hand out small prizes like gift cards, holiday-themed swag, or homemade cookies.
Encourage people to take photos with the ugly sweater backdrop before they leave.
Send a thank-you email after the party with a few fun snapshots from the event!
An office Ugly Sweater Party is a great way to build camaraderie and spread some holiday joy. By planning a few key details ahead of time—like activities, decorations, and snacks—you’ll ensure that everyone has a blast. Don’t forget the most important rule: the uglier the sweater, the better!
Happy party planning! 🎉
Lucy's Confections Team!
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