How to Plan a Holiday Party Your Team Will Actually Look Forward To

The holiday season has a way of arriving faster than expected. One minute it’s September, and the next you’re trying to find a venue, choose a menu, organize entertainment, and figure out how to plan a company holiday party that everyone will actually enjoy.

Whether you’re planning for a small office, a large company, a nonprofit organization, or a group of colleagues and friends, starting early gives you more flexibility—and a lot less stress.

At Amarante’s Sea Cliff in New Haven, Connecticut, we’ve hosted celebrations of all sizes along the waterfront. Here are a few things to consider as you start planning this year’s holiday party.

Start With the Right Type of Holiday Party

Before choosing all the details, think about the kind of experience you want to create.

A private holiday party gives your group its own space and allows you to customize the celebration around your company, organization, and guests. This can be a great option for larger groups or teams looking for a more personalized event.

But smaller companies shouldn’t have to miss out on the full holiday-party experience.

That’s why shared holiday parties can be a great alternative. Multiple groups celebrate on the same evening, allowing smaller teams to enjoy the atmosphere of a larger holiday event without having to host an entire private party themselves.

Choose a Venue That Feels Like an Occasion

Your team probably sees the office enough throughout the year. The holiday party should feel different.

Choosing a venue with a memorable setting can immediately make the night feel more special. Located along Morris Cove in New Haven, Amarante’s Sea Cliff offers waterfront views of Long Island Sound and event spaces that can accommodate a variety of group sizes and celebration styles.

From cocktail hour to dinner and dancing, having the entire experience in one location also makes planning easier for both organizers and guests.

Don't Make Food an Afterthought

Food is one of the things guests remember most about an event, so the menu deserves some attention.

Consider the size of your group, the atmosphere you want to create, and whether a buffet, stations, cocktail-style reception, or seated meal makes the most sense.

And don't forget about dietary needs. Asking about allergies and dietary restrictions ahead of time can make the experience much easier for everyone attending.

Give People Time to Actually Enjoy Themselves

Not every minute needs to be scheduled.

A great holiday party gives guests time to grab a drink, catch up with coworkers, enjoy dinner, take pictures, and get on the dance floor without feeling rushed from one activity to the next.

Think of entertainment as something that adds to the atmosphere rather than something that takes over the entire evening.

Make It Easy for Your Team

Once you've selected the venue and date, communicate the important details early.

Give guests the date, start and end time, location, dress code if applicable, RSVP deadline, and anything else they'll need to know. The easier you make it for people to plan, the more likely they are to attend.

Start Planning Before the Holiday Rush

December dates can fill quickly, which is why September and October are a great time to start planning.

Amarante’s Sea Cliff offers both private holiday celebrations and Shared Holiday Parties, giving companies and organizations options based on their group size and needs.

Our 2026 Shared Holiday Parties will take place December 4 and December 12 from 7–11 PM, offering smaller groups the opportunity to enjoy a complete holiday celebration on the waterfront.

Celebrate the Holidays by the Water

Ready to start planning your company holiday party?

Explore holiday celebrations at Amarante’s Sea Cliff in New Haven, Connecticut, and find the option that works best for your team.