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The holiday season is the perfect time to bring your team together, celebrate your accomplishments, and enjoy some much-needed fun! Planning a corporate holiday party that’s memorable and festive can feel like a big task, but don’t worry — we’re here to help. With the right approach, you can turn your office celebration into an event that everyone will be talking about for months. Let’s dive into how to plan a holiday bash that will make your coworkers smile (and maybe even dance)!

1. Start Early and Stay Organized

The secret to throwing a great party? Planning ahead! The holidays are a busy time, and venues, entertainment, and caterers can book up fast. Get started early so you have plenty of time to pull everything together. Pro tip: Create a party planning team so you’re not doing all the work alone! Divide up the responsibilities like booking the venue, managing the budget, choosing the menu, and picking the entertainment.

Before you dive into the details, think about the vibe you want for your party. Is it going to be a big celebration to reward your team’s hard work? Or a more casual event to help everyone unwind and connect? Deciding on the tone will make it easier to plan everything from the theme to the activities.

 

2. Set a Fun (and Realistic) Budget

Budgeting may not sound like the most exciting part of planning, but it’s super important. Set a budget early on so you know what you’re working with. Think about all the different costs: venue rental, catering, drinks, decorations, entertainment, and maybe even some fun extras like a photo booth or a raffle.

Don’t worry if your budget isn’t huge! You can throw a fantastic party on any budget by focusing on the things that really matter, like a fun atmosphere and delicious food. And guess what? At Mintahoe Catering & Events, we can help you plan a memorable event no matter what your budget looks like.

3. Pick the Perfect Venue

The venue you choose can make or break your holiday party. You want a space that’s big enough to fit your entire team comfortably but also has some charm and personality. Whether you’re going for cozy and intimate or a big, grand space, the venue should reflect your company’s style and make your guests feel welcome.

Mintahoe Catering & Events has a collection of exclusive venues, so you’re sure to find something that fits your vibe. From historic buildings with stunning architecture to spaces with amazing outdoor views, we’ve got venues that will wow your team from the moment they arrive. Not sure what size you need? We’ll help you figure it out and make sure everyone feels right at home.

4. Book Entertainment That Gets Everyone in the Spirit

What’s a holiday party without some fun entertainment? Whether your team loves live music, DJs, games, or something more unique like a magician or holiday-themed photo booth, entertainment is what turns a good party into a great one.

You can go all out with a live band or keep it chill with a playlist that sets the mood. If you want to get your guests interacting, consider activities like a game station, raffle, or even an award ceremony to recognize employees for their hard work. The key is to choose entertainment that fits your team’s personality and keeps the energy high.

5. Create a Menu That Sparks Joy (and Conversation!)

Let’s be real — one of the best parts of any party is the food. Your holiday party menu should be fun, festive, and packed with flavor. Whether you want something elegant and formal or casual and relaxed, Mintahoe’s expert chefs will work with you to create a menu that’s perfect for your team.

If you’re aiming for something fancy, you can’t go wrong with a plated meal and a champagne toast. Think delicious seasonal dishes, expertly paired with fine wines. If you want to encourage your guests to mingle, food stations are a fun option! Set up different stations around the venue with a variety of dishes, and watch your guests strike up conversations while sampling all the tasty bites.

Prefer something a little more laid-back? A buffet with a full-service bar is always a crowd-pleaser. Add some holiday-themed cocktails or a hot chocolate bar, and you’ve got yourself a party! Whatever style you choose, Mintahoe can customize a menu that’ll have everyone talking about the food (in the best way possible).

 

Why Choose Mintahoe Catering & Events?

When it comes to planning corporate holiday parties, we’ve been doing this for over 30 years, so you can trust us to deliver an amazing event. Here’s why Mintahoe should be your go-to for holiday party planning:

 

Exclusive Venues

We offer a variety of venues that are unique, beautiful, and perfect for any size group. Whether your team wants a cozy venue or something grander and more festive, we have the right space for you. Our venues also offer a mix of indoor and outdoor options, giving you flexibility no matter the season.

Photo by: Mycah Bain Photography

Nicollet Island Pavilion

Award-winning Nicollet Island Pavilion is a premier event venue in the heart of Minneapolis, offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern elegance. Originally built in 1893 as the William Bros Boiler and Manufacturing Company, the pavilion has been beautifully restored, featuring exposed brick walls, soaring industrial ceilings, and expansive windows that showcase stunning views of the Mississippi River, bridges, and downtown skyline. This flexible and customizable space provides the perfect backdrop for your holiday celebration, allowing you to create unforgettable experiences in a truly iconic setting.

Inwood Oaks

Inwood Oaks Event Center is a beautifully reimagined venue offering a grand ballroom and adaptable spaces to suit any occasion. Its refined interiors, blending timeless elegance with modern flair, provide a versatile canvas that can be styled to match your festive vision. Tucked away in the serene Eastern Suburbs, just a short drive from the Twin Cities, this hidden treasure delivers both elegance and convenience for your guests. Thoughtfully designed with every detail in mind, Inwood Oaks promises a seamless, luxurious experience from start to finish, ensuring your event leaves a lasting impression.

Minnesota Boat Club

Founded in 1870, the Minnesota Boat Club stands as the state’s oldest athletic institution, offering an event space unlike any other in the Twin Cities. Set on picturesque Raspberry Island and encircled by the Mississippi River, the venue combines historic charm with unmatched views—whether it’s the glittering downtown Saint Paul skyline or the serene beauty of the river valley’s wildlife. The Minnesota Boat Club’s versatile spaces, including two outdoor verandas perfect for mingling, make it an ideal choice for any celebration, especially a joyful holiday party. Convenient parking and an unbeatable location in the heart of Saint Paul ensure a smooth experience for your guests, making it a standout spot for your next seasonal gathering.

Solar Arts

Mintahoe at Solar Arts offers an unforgettable setting for your holiday party, located in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis’ vibrant Arts District. Housed on the third floor of the historic 100-year-old Solar Arts Building, this unique venue combines industrial charm with artistic flair. The loft-like space features expansive windows that fill the room with natural light, while exposed wooden beams, hardwood floors, and rustic brick walls add to its cozy, inviting atmosphere. With its warm, intimate ambiance and endless customization options, Solar Arts is the ideal venue to bring your holiday celebration to life, creating a memorable and joyful experience for you and your guests.

 

Incredible Menus & Seamless Service

At Mintahoe, we’re dedicated to making your holiday party unforgettable, starting with our exceptional catering. Our talented chefs craft menus that perfectly match the vibe of your event—whether you’re envisioning an elegant plated dinner, interactive food stations, or a casual buffet, we offer full-service catering to bring your culinary dreams to life. And we don’t stop at the food—our team can even bring the bar! From the moment you inquire to the final farewell, we handle all the details to ensure everything runs seamlessly, so you can relax and enjoy the celebration with your colleagues.

At Mintahoe Catering & Events, we know how to throw a holiday party that’s fun, festive, and memorable. Let’s work together to create an event that your team will look forward to all year long!

 

Ready to get started? Contact us today to book your holiday party with Mintahoe Catering & Events, and let’s make this year’s celebration the best one yet!

 

Check out our current Holiday Party Booking Special!