Party on!

Company parties provide the perfect opportunity for bosses and employees to mingle and get to know each other in a non-work environment. They are also an ideal platform to recognise the contributions of hardworking employees. Such gatherings are a good morale booster and help employees bond with the company, says Jhoi Clamor, a communications executive at Innovate Art & Design. “Employees are informed about the company’s performance, the trials and successes and most importantly, their involvement in the company’s goals and objectives for the next year,” she says.

Some factors to consider when planning a party include venue, date and time of the event as well as the type of food to be served, says Clamor who has organised several such events. Employees should be given ample notice about the party so that they can clear or block off their schedules. Setting a food budget also helps, she says. “We had to get several quotes from different caterers before we decided on which best suited our requirements.”

Restaurants and caterers offer a variety of dining and entertainment options to suit different budgets. Companies can also engage the services of an in-house party planner to enjoy a fuss-free event.

Fancy a traditional Christmas celebration?

Gaelic Inns offers a host of party possibilities for companies looking to usher in the yuletide season. Known for its traditional Irish and English pubs, the company offers traditional Christmas menus featuring favourites such as Roast Turkey, Yorkshire Pudding, mince pies and a special Winter Vegetable Medley. Companies can choose from a festive buffet spread or a set meal of 3 to 5 courses.

Parties can be held at five different Gaelic Inns venues. Durty Nelly’s at Marina Square offer the largest capacity, catering up to 300 guests. Those looking for a more intimate venue might want to consider Scruffy Murphy’s at East Coast which can host up to 30 guests.

What’s a party without some great entertainment? Gaelic Inns has a pool of bands who perform at Muddy Murphy’s and Dirty Nelly’s. Their repertoires range from classics to modern day hits. “Depending on the theme of the year-end party, clients are also able to hire these bands through us and hype up the atmosphere,” says Jasmine Arika, Marketing Manager, Gaelic Inns.

Other entertainment options include quizzes, pole dancers, magicians and live photo sessions. In one interesting party, guests came up to ‘jam’ on the stage, playing hits from their home countries, which they missed over the Christmas season, says Arika.

Order in a feast!

Companies that want to organise a party in the comfort of their own office premises or an outdoor location might want to consider hiring a caterer.

Harvest Foods, the catering arm of Zingrill Holdings offers DIY barbecue packs which come with succulent cuts of meat, fresh seafood and marinades. Companies can also request for a team of waiters to serve guests as well as an onsite chef to help with food preparation.

Innovate Art and Design held a quarterly dinner gathering at a chalet and ordered in a buffet dinner from Harvest Foods for over 50 employees. The company requested for outdoor seating, including a special VIP table. A chef was on hand to serve piping hot barbeque items. “The chef definitely added a nice touch to the event and our staff enjoyed the freshness of the barbecued food,” Clamor says.

Festive menus are also available at JP Pepperdine, whose signature dishes include Roast Striploin of Beef, Roast Leg of Lamb, Honey Glazed Ham and their star item- Spit Roasted Baby Lamb. Other add-ons include a full beverage service, crockery and cutlery, linens and flowers.

JP Pepperdine caters for a minimum of 20 guests to a maximum of 1,500 guests. Companies can choose to have a buffet-style event or a formal sit-down meal.

A good party is when everyone including the host themselves have a great night not just because of the fun and entertainment or food and drink but because the event ran smoothly, says Arika. This is where restaurants, caterers and party planners make the difference.