Organising a New Year’s reception: tips for a great start to the year

But how do you ensure a successful New Year’s party? Will you opt for a cozy get-together at the office, or are you going to go a little bigger this year? From choosing the right date to fun activities and a welcoming venue: with these tips, you’ll make it a success and start the new year off right!

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• When do you hold a New Year's reception?
• Who are you organizing the reception for?
• Location: at the office or off-site?
• Ideas to make your New Year’s reception special
• Food and drinks at a New Year's reception
• Invitations and the New Year’s speech
• New Year’s reception with an overnight stay

A new year, a fresh start! But when should you plan that New Year’s get-together? The second or third week of January is often a good time. By then, most colleagues are back from vacation and everyone has settled back into their work routine.

The time of day is important, too. A get-together at the end of the workday—for example, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—often works well. That way, coworkers can head straight there from work, and there’s still plenty of time left for the rest of the evening.

Can’t manage to plan anything in the first few weeks of January? No problem! You can still raise a toast to the new year together at the end of January.

Before you start planning, it’s a good idea to think about who you want to invite. Are you organizing a casual get-together for coworkers, or are you also inviting clients and business contacts?

An internal New Year’s reception is mainly about getting together, catching up, and strengthening team spirit. An informal atmosphere, tasty snacks, and perhaps a fun activity are often enough.

Are you also inviting clients or business contacts? Then the event can be a bit more formal. Consider a nice venue, a brief welcome speech, and plenty of space for networking.

Who’s on the guest list will largely determine the venue, the program, and the budget.

The guest list is finalized and the date is set. Time to pick a venue! But will it be a get-together at the office, or are you going somewhere else?

A drink, some bitterballen, and a nice chat. Sounds good, right? But with a fun activity or an original theme, you can make your New Year’s get-together just that little bit more special. How about these ideas?

• Look back and look ahead: share the highlights of the past year and toast to new plans.
• Go for a winter theme: think mood lighting, hot drinks, or a cozy après-ski vibe.
• Organize a pub quiz: test your coworkers’ knowledge with fun questions about the past year.
• Do a workshop or tasting together: from making cocktails to a creative workshop.
• Collect New Year’s resolutions: have everyone write a wish or resolution for the team on a large board.
• Host a standing reception: enjoy small bites while everyone mingles and catches up.

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All that catching up is bound to make you hungry! So, delicious snacks and drinks are a must at a New Year’s get-together.

Combine hot appetizers with cold dishes so there’s something delicious for everyone. Think mini quiches, bitterballen, wraps, or small rolls. And since it’s January, oliebollen or a bowl of warm winter soup are perfect additions to the menu.

Of course, a festive toast is a must. Get the bubbly ready! Be sure to offer a non-alcoholic option as well, so everyone can join in the toast.

Tip: Ask about dietary preferences and allergies in advance. That way, everyone can enjoy the party worry-free.

The plans are set, so it’s time to invite your guests! It’s best to send out a “save the date” as early as December. That way, colleagues and business contacts can keep the date open, even during the busy holiday season.

Once the program is finalized, you can send out the official invitation. Be sure to include the date, time, location, and what guests can expect.

And then, of course, there’s the New Year’s speech. Don’t worry—it really doesn’t have to be long! Five minutes will get you a long way. Briefly look back on the past year, thank everyone for their hard work or collaboration, and share a few exciting plans for the new year.

Wrap things up with a festive toast, and let the party begin!

Why stop at just drinks? A New Year’s reception is also a great opportunity to kick off the new work year together. Turn it into a full-fledged kick-off, complete with an overnight stay!

Start the day, for example, with a strategy session or brainstorming session about plans for the new year. Then it’s time to close your laptop and enjoy a cozy evening together with good food, drinks, and fun activities.

And the best part about staying overnight? No one has to go home afterward, and the next morning, you can all sit down together for breakfast.

At Stayokay, you’ll find a variety of unique locations where you can gather with your team, hold meetings, and stay overnight—from an inspiring setting surrounded by nature to a cozy stay in the city.

Stay overnight at Stayokay