Planning a pajama party might not be the best way to go if the majority of the staff is parents with small children.
A great place to start is to find a theme that invites guests to participate. Bring your own parties — bring your own music, bring you own costume, bring your own food — can be extremely fun. Partiers learn about their coworkers by seeing what they bring. This type of themed party comes with plenty of conversation starters as guests arrive, adding their own flair and flavor to the gathering.
The tips and suggestions below will provide some direction and inspiration for upcoming office parties.
Literary Character Costume Party — Bring Your Own Book
Costume parties give everyone a chance to return to childhood. Playing dress up gives adults a chance to relax and enjoy an evening in a less stressful role. Everyone is encouraged to bring a copy of a novel or poem and dress up as their favorite character. Expect to see everything from Macbeth to Arthur from the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Imagine Katniss ("The Hunger Games") meets Elizabeth Barrett Browning! Decorate with posters from plays, movies or book releases. Party favors and decorations might include writing instruments old books gleaned from thrift shops and notepads.
Bring Your Own Game
Planning a party around the board and party games is a winner every time. Guests bring their favorite games from Twister to Bang. The host should set an area for electronic and digital games like online bingo in UK and much more. Arrange game tables for players and watchers. Organize tournaments to keep small groups from forming and encourage mingling. Serve finger foods or dry snacks over dishes that require plates and utensils.
Bring Your Own Talent
Decorate with toy instruments, sheet music, old 45's and other music-related accessories. Host a talent show and invite guests to come as their favorite musician. Designate an MC, a panel of judges and an award committee. After the talent show, award ribbons or medals for best voice, best imitation, best costume or other categories. Keep the party flowing with pre-performance and post-performance drinks and snacks. Include guitar shaped cookies, a piano cake and cupcakes decorated like bongo drums.
Bring Your Own Detective Skills
Hosting a mystery dinner is a unique and highly engaging party. Reserve a restaurant for the event. Choose a play or short story that can be adapted to involve extra actors or surprise endings. Give each guest a card describing their part as they arrive. Make the roles easy to play and fun to encourage improvisation. There are numerous short stories and scripts are available in bookstores or online.
Whether the main theme is playing Monopoly and blackjack online or focused on a costume theme, planning a “bring your own” party is sure to be exciting and fun for everyone.
