How to Host the Best Corporate Christmas or Holiday Party in Maryland

Winter may not be everyone’s favorite season-- it doesn’t have the sunshine of a coastal Maryland summer, the sprouting flowers of springtime, or the vibrant hues of autumn-- but there’s still plenty to love about it. One of our favorite things about winter is the holiday season. Cold weather is the perfect opportunity to spend some time with your family, friends and coworkers.

But what can you do to make sure that the holiday season starts of right? Today we’ll give you all of the tips and tricks you need to know to celebrate the holidays in style:

• Finding the best catering in Maryland
• Choosing a festive venue
• Scheduling your party
• Catering to your guest’s needs
  

1. Holiday parties are all about the food.

If you think back on your fondest holiday memories, chances are at least a few of them involve all of your favorite people gathering around some delicious holiday food. Whether you’re planning a party for your family or for your co-workers, making sure you find the best catering in Maryland is an easy way to make your corporate party one to remember.

The Smokehouse Grill brings the best holiday fare Maryland has to offer to your office or favorite corporate party venue. When you choose The Smokehouse Grill, you never have to decide between zesty grilled chicken or mouthwatering steak-- packages can be scaled to include as many or as few options as you like.

Be sure to check out The Smokehouse Grill’s appetizers, soups, sides, BBQ grill options, specialty grill items, seafood, gourmet lunch boxes, and desserts. Here are a few of our festive favorites and coziest comfort food:

• Fresh fruit displays
• Hot crab dip
• Lobster bisque
• Mac & cheese
• Smokehouse ribs
• Lollipop lamb pops
• Shrimp cocktails
• Assorted cheesecakes
  

2. Find the right venue for your holiday fun.

There are plenty of advantages to hosting your holiday party right in the office. To name a few, it’s inexpensive and convenient. However, you don’t have to look very far to find a cost-effective venue that will give your corporate holiday celebration a more festive atmosphere.

One of our favorite venues for special events-- from weddings to private holiday parties-- is the Kent Island Yacht Club. Easily reached from US 50/301 via Exit 41, Kent Island Yacht Club offers gorgeous panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay that will be the perfect backdrop to your holiday gathering.

With seating for up to 130 people, Kent Island Yacht Club makes it easy to get the whole office involved in your holiday celebration.

3. When it comes to throwing a successful corporate party, timing is everything.

The holidays are a busy time of year for everyone. No matter how much you love the people you work with, you’d be hard-pressed to find co-workers willing to skip out on their family gatherings to attend a corporate holiday get-together. So what’s a party planner to do?

Taking a survey of staff availability and choosing a date and time for your holiday party that seems to work for most employees is a great way to ensure people actually attend. Friday evenings are always a popular option for celebrations, but if you’re having trouble booking a venue at this popular time during the busy holiday season, it’s a good idea to consider less common days of the week. It should be easy, for example, to secure a venue for a holiday party hosted on a Monday.

4. Make sure you take your guest’s unique needs into consideration.

Nobody likes to feel left out, especially when it comes to holiday festivities. Your employees come from diverse backgrounds, have different beliefs and holiday traditions, and have different needs. In order to make sure your holiday gathering is as enjoyable as possible for as many people as possible, try to consider big issues such as:

• Dietary Needs/Restrictions. Try to include options that people from different religious backgrounds and with different dietary restrictions can eat. In general it’s a good rule to include a vegetarian/vegan option as well as one that is allergen-free.
• Different Beliefs and Traditions. The holidays mean something different to everyone. While it isn’t wrong to hold a “Christmas” party or a gathering in honor of any other particular holiday, it is better to make your gathering as inclusive as possible. Considering inviting employees to bring their favorite holiday foods or traditions to the celebration.
  

The holidays are a fun and festive time of year, but planning a corporate party can be difficult. Take some of the stress off by taking advantage of some of the best catering in Maryland and choosing the right venue for your holiday celebration.

From all of us here at The Smokehouse Grill, we are wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season!