An office party in a pandemic? Yes, it’s possible!
In 2021, with nearly two years of pandemic life behind us, most of us are longing for a good old-fashioned in-person party. But caution is key. As we approach the holiday season, here are a few ideas for a truly unique — and, most importantly, safe — office party.
Last year, we all scrambled to host holiday parties virtually, to varying degrees of success. Businesses everywhere got creative to offer their employees some semblance of festivities without actually getting together. But while we tip our hats off to them, let’s face it: things just weren’t the same.
With a number of safety measures being lifted by the Quebec Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux as of October 8, specifically concerning event venues and gatherings, the possibility of actually getting together and blowing off some steam this holiday season is on the horizon. (And boy, do we need it!)
Just because some safety measures are no longer applicable, however, it doesn’t give us free rein to just throw caution to the wind. Some people might choose to host their holiday party later — in January or even February — in the hopes that sanitary restrictions will be more lax by then. But if this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t take things for granted. As such, we have to get creative and find new ways of celebrating while ensuring that everyone stays safe.
In a nutshell: you should go for activities that allow guests to remain seated or in one spot, during which they’ll be able to eat or drink while maintaining a safe distance from other people.
Bingo nights are calling!
Who said bingo was just for retired folks? With a few cocktails and a lively host, you’re in for a fun ride — that’s a promise!
Set up long tables with bingo cards and dabbers at each assigned place. That way, your guests will be at a safe distance from each other without anyone having to play Social Distancing Police all night.
A few tips for a bingo night for the ages:
A healthy dose of kitsch. If you’re gonna do a bingo night, you might as well go all in! Dress up the space with kitschy decor and accessories, put little paper umbrellas in each glass, serve food that would make your grandma Gladys proud, organize a contest for the ugliest Christmas sweater — sky’s the limit! (For inspiration, we highly recommend flipping through Kitsch QC by Caroline Dubuc and Roxanne Arsenault, or heading over to patrimoinekitsch.com.)
A spectacular host. Pick a host that will help create a fun, lively atmosphere. From one end of the room, they’ll call out numbers, announce the winner, and give away prizes, but they’ll also make sure the party gets going! Someone who’s naturally fun, outspoken, and quick on their feet will know best how to interact with guests. (Pssst! We think drag queens make terrific bingo hosts!)
Great prizes. Think ahead about what prizes will get your guests excited and spark their competitive spirit. (You’ll be surprised at just how competitive a bingo game can get.) A dinner at a fancy restaurant, a day at the spa… The bigger the prize, the louder the players will cry “BINGO!” ;)
Good cocktails. A memorable bingo night wouldn’t be complete without some good cocktails to loosen up the players’ wrists and make sure they have a good time! Because of the pandemic, we suggest planning for a wait staff to serve each table in order to limit comings and goings. For fun, holiday-themed cocktail ideas, check out this list and get inspired!
A private show for a memorable night
Offer your guests the VIP treatment by inviting them to a private show or concert. After long, difficult months of confinement, most of them won’t have seen a live show in quite some time. They’ll be more than happy to get dressed up and see a live, in-person performance!
You can hire your favourite comedian, a band, a cabaret artist… Go with what you think your guests will enjoy the most.
For the best results in showing your guests a good time, think about the following:
A unique performance. Many agencies offer the possibility of hiring an artist for a corporate event or office party. Think about the kind of performance you want to see and what would make your guests happy. A comedian or impersonator to make them laugh, a band to get their heads bopping, or even circus performers or magicians to get them out of their comfort zone — anything is possible! Websites such as gigsalad.com can help you find the talent you’re looking for. Also check out the websites of talent agencies and you’ll discover a long list of artists available for corporate events.
A touch of glamour. We’ve been hiding out in our homes wearing nothing but sweatpants and t-shirts for long enough — it’s time to dust off our fancy attire! What not give your event a formal dress code? Under the circumstances, your guests will surely be happy to dress up a bit. Go all out with the glitz: red carpet, velvet curtains, tons of candles, and gold accents will give the space a truly glamorous feel for a night to remember.
A welcoming — and safe — layout. Entrepôts Dominion’s spacious event venues can be arranged in a theatre layout for a more classic experience, or in a cabaret layout to allow your guests to enjoy the show in a more convivial setting (one in which they’ll be able to eat and drink, no less), all while respecting social distancing measures. With the help of your wait staff, you’ll be able to just sit back and enjoy the show!
Learning is fun: a group lesson everyone can enjoy
Smaller groups can hire a chef, sommelier, or mixologist for a fun-filled private lesson. Depending on your interests and those of your guests, learn more about cooking, baking, wine tasting, or the art of creating delicious drinks!
Large spaces such as the big room or the loft can accommodate individual stations for each participant to follow along your teacher’s instructions, all while maintaining proper social distancing. Entrepôts Dominion’s fully equipped kitchen will allow guests to cook their preparations as needed or keep ingredients fresh in the cooling room.
Here are a few ideas for a unique office party:
Unleash your sweet tooth. Go for a baking class, during which you’ll prepare pastries or simply whip up some delicious holiday-themed cookies. Guests can learn different baking techniques in a fun environment, pop their creations in the oven, and relax with a nice drink until the timer dings. And then comes the best part: tasting your baked goods, fresh out of the oven!
Fun for your mouth and nose. A wine-tasting workshop with a professional sommelier is a huge crowd-pleaser. Whether they’re newbies or wine experts, guests will love the opportunity to broaden their horizons and test their knowledge of wine. You’ll learn how to break down the flavours, how to tell different varieties apart, and how to pair up your wine with food for a unique gourmet experience.
Mix it up! What’s more festive than a holiday-themed cocktail? Hire a mixologist to guide you through the wonderful world of cocktails and spirits. Go off the beaten tracks and learn how to mix flavours in a new way, for a fun and delicious experience. (But also make sure to plan for each guest to get home safely if they’ve had a drink!)
Don’t forget that in compliance with safety measures applicable in Quebec, all guests must show their vaccination passport to enter the premises. Just like concert venues, theatres, and restaurants, Entrepôts Dominion is obligated to ask for a proof of vaccination upon arrival.