Not in the mood for another bland office happy hour? Try turning your regular office gatherings into a fun, team-building photo project! This planning guide will show you exactly how to make your standard office happy hour an amazing group goal that everyone will be excited for… All you need to get started is a camera. Below are 10 party themes for 2017. Take a group photo at each themed event to make a series that will put a smile on everyone’s face. Read on for a detailed description of each theme including what to eat, what to wear, and what to play.
You might be thinking to yourself that people tend to be generally unenthusiastic about themed parties, especially at the workplace. But the truth of the matter is that everyone (except maybe Ron Swanson) secretly adores them in their hearts. Creating a photo series documenting each event gives people that extra boost to tap into the inner child and have tons of fun. The more participation you have, the more fun it will be so be sure to provide as many of the props as possible to make participation easy. All the props included on this list are ones you can find at your local dollar store, and aim to help the company party planning committee get people excited about these fun office activities.
Spice things up even further with a friendly competition between departments to see who can create the most “spirited” photos!
For more information about unique workshops and talks to fit into your office event, try out our Creative Fun Craft Workshops.
Office party planning checklist
Each theme includes event organizing tips, quick team building activities, essential props and suggested food and drink to make your company party planning a breeze.
1. Workplace Tea Party
Essential props: tea cups, cake stand
Food and Drink: tiny sandwiches, scones, muffins, assorted tea with milk, honey, and spiced bourbon if it’s that kind of tea party
What to wear: business casual to formal wear
What to play: Pass the Parcel
“A cake stand is compulsory” said one British expert, Charlotte Walsh. It doesn’t need to be fancy, pick one up at your local department store, or make your own.
Also be sure you have tea cups with milk and sugar set out in their own containers. Even if your cups aren’t this fancy, presentation is still key.
2. College party (at the Office!)
Essential props: red Solo cups, frisbees
Food and Drink: pizza, beer (preferably in cans), any bottle of any hard alcohol, (the cheaper the better), jello shots, chips, cup o’noodles
What to wear: any apparel from your alma mater or favorite university
What to play: flip cup, truth or dare, toss around the frisbees, beer pong (play with water or diet soda if you don’t want to make a mess)
Remind everyone ahead of time (1 week before, and also the night before) to wear apparel from their alma mater, or from their favorite university!
3. Office Hawaiian Party
Essential props: hula hoops, tiny umbrellas, dollar store lei necklaces
Food and Drink: Hawaiian sweet roll sandwiches, Pineapples, watermelon, Malibu rum
What to wear: tropical shirts and breezy skirts
What to play: hula hoop competition
4. Camping Party
Essential props: See food
Food and Drink: S’mores, hot Coco (spiked hot chocolate is best), trail mix, hot dogs
What to wear: plaid shirts and anything else people feel will look “campy”
What to play: UNO! If you can’t get ahold of an UNO deck, ask everyone to share their favorite camping game they played as children, and it will double as a get-to-know-you game.
It might sound cheesy, but Uno is a game of pure fun that is beloved by all. It holds an important nostalgic quality that makes it especially attractive.
5. Summer: Adult Lemonade Stand
Essential props: big clear pitcher, straws, lemons for garnish, handmade or printed “lemonade for sale” sign
Food and Drink: lemonade, hard alcohol of choice.
What to wear: pink, orange, red, yellow and blue colors.
What to play: Lemon Jousting (see instructions)
As always, presentation is an important part of any themed office party. Choose one lemonade cocktail of your choice (two ice cold, yummy suggestions below.) Don’t skip on the fancy straws and lots of garnishes to choose from (berries, mint, cut limes and lemons are a great start.)
“Lemon Jousting” Is an thrilling and interactive game that will everyone laughing in no time.
Making your own sign with an old piece of pallet wood and a black sharpie is super easy and looks incredible! Or if you’re not the DIY type, you can use these printables.
6. Fall: Sweaters and Cider
Essential props: mugs, caramel lollypops
Food and Drink: hot apple cider, spiced rum, mini donuts
What to wear: a sweater.
What to play: apple bobbing
Don’t forget to include some cold hard cider for variety cider as well.
7. Winter: Adult Hot Coco Bar
Essential props: mugs, a lot of whipped cream
Food and Drink: hot coco, and a minimum of: marshmallows, Oreo cookie crumble topping, sprinkles, caramel sauce, chocolate chips, candy canes, Bailey’s, peppermint Schnapps
What to wear: mandatory cozy attire
What to play: most beautiful cup of coco competition. Winner gets a bottle of whipped cream
8. Adult Breakfast Party
At Speakizi we are absolutely wild about breakfast party ideas for work!!! A breakfast party for adults is easy, delicious, and just plain fun.
Essential props: a handmade breakfast sign
Food and Drink: mimosas and cereal, waffle bar, bagels and cream cheese
What to wear: pajamas
What to play: blindfolded cereal eating contest
Pick a bar, any bar!
9. Movie Theater
Essential props: popcorn bags, gold stars for hanging, admission ticket invitations.
Food and Drink: pizza, root beer floats, popcorn, gummy candy, Mike ‘n Ikes
What to wear: casual wear
What to play: if you can’t watch an actual movie, then play movie trivia! (A great version available here from Buzzle)
