How to have a cheap company Christmas party.

Where my husband works, they are trying to cut costs anyway they can. So, I was surprised when they had a Christmas party. They held this festive affair in January. The business where he works even took some of my cheap ideas, and came up with some of their own. They held the party after Christmas in January, didn't serve dinner, and made employees pay for their own booze.

Number one- Have an office party instead of a big party at a restaurant or club. Ask everyone to bring a dish to pass, including Christmas cookies. One person brings a Cd player and the Christmas jams. Another person can bring a karaoke machine. Everyone can chip in to buy any booze you will need, unless you are having an alcohol free event.

Number two- Tell employees to chip in to pay for the party. Your Scrooge-like employer will not have to pay for the entire affair. This may mean the difference between raises, a party, or letting someone go.
Number three- Have a work related party at the boss's home, or a co-worker's home. Once again, everyone can bring a dish of food to pass, and a bottle of alcohol. This way you get to have a party and don't have to pay all the expenses that go with a club, bar or restaurant.

Number four- Have the party at happy hour at a club or bar. You can get free appetizers, cheaper prices on drinks, and still everyone gets to have a good time outside of the workplace.
Number five- Plan on having the work party after Christmas during a slower time of year, such as in January. At this time, many restaurants, and clubs will be begging for business, and your office can get lower prices than offered at Christmas time.

Number six- Save money on a work holiday party by trading business for the party. In other words, your business can give something to the restaurant, bar or club in exchange for the Christmas party. Depending on what kind of business you work at, you might be able to set up a very sweet deal!

Number seven-Save money on a work holiday party by doing something completely different. Don't have a regular, Christmas party. Instead throw a sledding party, or a party at the boss's home. Everyone can make snowmen, and ice-skate on a homemade ice skating rink.

Number eight- Have the holiday party during the warmer months and rent out a shelter at a park, picnic site, or at the beach. Why not, it's cheaper then renting a large room at a club. You might even be able to afford to buy tickets to a baseball game.

Number nine- Instead of having a Christmas party, splurge for the staff to go to a holiday show, or a holiday concert. You can even get a discount rate on a large order. Community Theater is cheaper than big city theater productions!

Don't be a total business Scrooge this year, have a company Christmas party, with proper prior cheapo planning!! Copyright 2010, written by Kate Johns, who has been writing professionally since 2004.