by T.C. Sert

Created on: March 01, 2010   Last Updated: March 02, 2010

Cinco de Mayo, the holiday which marks Mexico's defeat over the French in 1862, is a joyous occasion which celebrates this victory by throwing fun parties, and fiestas filled with authentic up-beat Mexican music, dancing, and delicious food. Many people still have to work on this occasion, but this doesn't mean that they can't bring the fun to work. Here are a few ideas on how to plan a Cinco de Mayo office party.

Get All Permissions Beforehand

Before anyone begins planning for an office party, the wise thing to do would be to ask permission from any supervisors or management. Companies may have a policy on conducting any type of social gathering at a place of business, so be sure those guidelines are strictly adhered to at all times. This way there are no negative surprises during an occasion that should allow everyone to relax.

Create A List

Holding an office party can be a financial burden if the expenses are put on only one or two people. Creating a sign up list allows anyone to add their name to the list that is interested in volunteering or chipping in. This could also be a list which asks for help with expenses for refreshments, decorations, or even a list of people that are interested in attending so that refreshments will be sufficient.

Mexican Potluck

A potluck is an easy way to acquire refreshments for an office party. Guests that are planning to attend the potluck should bring a Mexican dish, such as enchiladas. It could also be a beverage, a side dish, desert, or even a bag of chips. The idea is that everyone brings something to supply refreshments for the party. This also makes cleanup easier since everyone would be bringing their dish back home with them.

Location

If you decide to hold the party in the office rather than meet outside of the office, choose a spot that is more open to place the table for food. Many offices have a break room designated as a food area. Holding the office party in this room would be better, this way other workers not wishing to attend won't be disturbed. If the office party is being held outside of the office, then choose a designation that is neutral to those members that prefer a family environment, such as a park.

Decorations And Music

Office parties should be fun, yet still stay within a certain professional level. Decorations should be kept to a minimum, and music shouldn't be too loud. Remember, this is a working environment, and not a fiesta workers are attending outside of the office. Loud music could disturb other workers, and too many decorations can be too distracting to those not attending.

Behavior

This may be a Cinco de Mayo office party, but this doesn't mean you shouldn't be responsible. Reckless behavior can reflect onto you poorly, and should be avoided. Office parties can be a great time to mingle with co-workers and even get to know your supervisor on a more personal level, but still be aware that you are at your place of business, not at home.

Clean Up

Once the Cinco de Mayo office party is over be sure to clean up. Having volunteer clean up assistants appointed before the office party will make cleaning up any trash, and left over decorations go much faster. This is an office environment, so try to keep things as neat as possible. Once everything is cleaned up, remove any trash from the office building.

If you keep things clean, calm and professional, then the likelihood of being allowed to hold further office parties is greater. This can reflect well on you professionally through your ability to relax and enjoy in a responsible manner, and holding enough respect for the work environment to keep things organized. Cinco de Mayo office parties are a great way for everyone in the office to relax, and have a good time.

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