The holidays are a great time to show your employees how much you appreciate their dedication and hard work – especially if the recent economy has meant a cutback in hours or salary. Throwing a company holiday party is a gesture that means a lot, but doesn’t have to cost a lot. Your holiday party can be as elaborate or as simple as you want – the key is to keep it relevant to your company’s culture and style. Here are some options to consider as you get started on your planning:

Keep it in the office. A low-key party in the office may sound boring, but employees might appreciate it more than you think. Bring in lunch (or organize a potluck) and after lunch, give employees the rest of the day off to get their shopping done, spend time with the family, or just relax. Add touches like decorations, small gifts or gift cards, and a year-end speech to let employees know how much you appreciate their efforts. In your office, you can do whatever you want – so feel free to play games, hold a raffle or do something zany to pump up the atmosphere.

Get out of the office. A nearby restaurant that can handle a large crowd is another great option for your holiday party. Set up a pre-planned meal and desserts (be sure to offer a few options). You can hold a festive lunch and give employees the rest of the day off. If you hold a dinner event, consider allowing employees to invite their significant others. Whether you plan lunch or dinner, set a policy about serving alcohol. If your business provides alcohol at an event, you may be held liable if employees drink too much and then drive.

Take it home. Having a party in your home is a nice, intimate option. Employees will feel honored about being invited to your home. Depending on the space you have available, you can let employees invite their significant other or even bring the whole family. It’s a good idea to have the event catered so you’re not spending time worrying about the details and can mingle and visit with your guests.

Get out in the community. To demonstrate that the holidays are about giving, you could make your holiday party a community project. You whole company can volunteer time at a shelter or soup kitchen, read to children at a school event, or help give out gifts to needy children. After volunteering, you could give your staff the rest of the day off, or go back to the office for a celebratory lunch. Volunteering makes everyone feel good and shows others that your business cares about the community.

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