The season for celebration is just around the corner! Office parties (large and small!), family gatherings, and friendly bashes are in the works. With a little time and thought, you can plan the perfect holiday party. Planning can minimize stress while maximizing joy! Watermark Beach Resort has seen dreamy & dazzling parties come year after year. We’ve assembled our top tips for throwing the perfect holiday party!
Guidelines for The Perfect Holiday Party
Bank On A Budget
Get out your spreadsheet, calculator, or abacus, and plan exactly how much you’d like to spend. Make a list of needs (food, transportation, gratuities) and wants (open bar, DJ, decorations). Organize your “wants” list by putting the most-desired items first. Gather estimates for each item, then price out your plan. Over budget? Cut items from the wants list until you’re in the black. Under budget? Now that’s something to celebrate!
It’s Never Too Early To Get Started
The best way to avoid last-minute stress is by planning ahead of time. Start by creating a timeline, setting up a checklist for tasks, and prioritizing essential details like venue booking and invitations.
Prepare dishes that can be made ahead and frozen, and stock up on supplies a few weeks in advance, including decorations and non-perishable items. By tackling the prep work gradually, you’ll avoid the last-minute scramble and have more time to focus on the fun parts, like decorating, arranging entertainment, and mingling with guests once the party kicks off.
Choose A Cheery Spot
The type of party you throw will dictate where you host it. A dinner party requires a restaurant or caterer, while a dance needs some space (and rockin’ tunes!). Hosting the party at a hotel, restaurant, or professional event space will likely save you time and energy. The hosting space has experience dealing with parties and can recommend menus & more! Plus, a hotel or restaurant will usually display beautiful holiday decorations, saving you a line item on your budget.
Watermark Beach Resort hosts parties of all sizes. Read more about our event spaces. For more information on a restaurant event or larger-scale bash, contact our catering and events team at sales@watermarkbeachresort.com or call 1.250.495.5511
Plan A Thoughtful Menu
When crafting your party menu, consider offering a mix of festive drinks, appetizers, and heartier dishes. Be sure to account for any dietary restrictions to make everyone feel welcome.
Including both traditional holiday favorites and unique seasonal treats can add a delightful variety. Preparing some dishes ahead of time ensures you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your party.
Have A (Snow) Ball!
Outdoor events can turn a party from ho-hum to holly jolly! An afternoon of winter activities or touring holiday decorations (such as light displays, or Christmas Tree festivals) can bring your office or family together.
For an unforgettable winter experience, why not head to Mount Baldy, just a short drive from Osoyoos? Whether you’re planning an office outing or a family adventure, Mount Baldy offers fantastic skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding opportunities to get everyone into the festive spirit. The mountain’s stunning snow-covered trails provide the perfect backdrop for a day of winter fun and team bonding.
Take into account mobility issues among attendees and choose an activity everyone will enjoy. Once you’ve come in from the cold, celebrate with canapes and hot drinks at a restaurant or lounge.
Make Magical Memories
A fun way to connect your guests, whether they’re coworkers or cousins, is to create a unique hashtag for your party. Spread the word among your guests, and encourage them to tag pictures and videos with the hashtag. That way, everyone at the party can enjoy the precious memories!
Be mindful of privacy settings and allow people to opt-out of candids if they want. A festive marker, such as a candy-cane pin, can be a signal that it’s okay to include someone in group shots!
Think Like a Guest
It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but consider the party from your guests’ perspectives. Make sure they know where to go, what time to arrive, and any key details without relying solely on signage. Having someone available to greet guests or offer directions adds a personal touch and ensures everyone feels welcomed from the moment they arrive.
Get Home Safely
Make sure everyone settles into their beds for a long winter’s nap after the festivities end. Encourage responsible drinking, rather than excess. At some parties, guests turn in their car keys in exchange for drink tickets.
Most taxi companies offer vouchers that you can distribute to guests. Even better, rent a suite at Watermark Beach Resort and “take the elevator home” after your party. The fun goes on as late as you’d like!
Delegate and Relax
Holiday parties can be stressful to plan, but you don’t have to do it alone. Involve family, friends, colleagues or professional party planners by assigning tasks, especially if they offer suggestions.
Delegating not only lightens your load but also lets others contribute, ensuring the event is a collective effort. On the day of, let go of the minor details and enjoy—your guests will appreciate the relaxed, cheerful atmosphere.
Join A Group Holiday Party Or Year End Celebration
If you’re a smaller team or simply want to enjoy a hassle-free holiday season, why not join a group holiday party or year-end celebration?
Group events are an excellent option for smaller businesses, clubs, or even groups of friends. By joining forces with other celebrators, you can share the costs of a beautifully decorated venue, premium catering, and top-notch entertainment—without the stress of organizing your own event.
Group parties offer the perfect blend of social interaction and fun, with the added benefit of networking and mingling with other local professionals or groups. You’ll still get a festive, personalized experience but at a fraction of the cost and effort. All you need to do is show up and enjoy the celebration while we handle the rest!
Join Watermark’s Jingle Ball, a festive group holiday party in Osoyoos.
Let's Host the Perfect Holiday Party
At Watermark Beach Resort we make planning and hosting your perfect holiday party seamless and stress-free. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering, an office celebration, or a grand holiday bash, our team can help you create unforgettable moments. With customizable spaces, exceptional catering, and the convenience of luxurious accommodations, Watermark is the perfect backdrop for your festivities. Let us take care of the details while you enjoy a magical holiday experience surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues. Reach out today to start planning your year end celebration at Watermark Beach Resort!
Ready to plan the perfect holiday party?
Contact us at sales@watermarkbeachresort.com or call 1.250.495.5511
Events book quickly—call today!
