Office Party Decoration Ideas

• Decorations should help set the mood for an office party without interfering with work. Garry Gay/Stockbyte/Getty Images

  When planning an office party, take a vote to determine the theme, since it'll play a large part in the type of decorations you'll use. Once you have a theme, consult with management to determine the policy on decorating the office. One idea is to have each associate decorate his own office or cubicle; another is to appoint a committee to decorate the reception area, hallways and the actual party space. Common office party celebrations include holidays, birthdays and retirement.

Holidays

• The timing and scale of special event decorations for an office depend in large part on the occasion. Decorate for the holidays at least two weeks before the big day. Make the decorations obvious enough to complement the ambiance, yet understated enough not to interfere with the operation of the workplace.

  Traditional decorations include theme-colored streamers or bunting strung though the reception area and hallways, with props such as a Christmas tree in the lobby and a Santa, reindeer and sleigh, or witches and ghosts--depending on the holiday--moderately spaced along the walkway. Decorate cubicles or offices according to company policy. Gather everyone's food contributions in the break room.

Birthdays

• Reserve a meeting room for the afternoon of the employee's birthday. Send out announcements for the celebration a couple of days in advance to give as many people as possible the chance to free their schedules for the party. Recruit a group of the birthday celebrant's friends to decorate her office or cubicle. Schedule the decorating event for the evening before the birthday, after the guest of honor has gone home, or first thing in the morning before she arrives on the day of the party.

  Decorate the meeting room as soon as possible before the celebration with festive banners proclaiming "Happy Birthday!" Use lots of ribbons, bunting and colorful balloons to complement the candle-laden birthday cake. Include props and accessories such as silly hats, tombstones or whatever is appropriate to the theme.

Retirement

• Reserve a meeting room for the afternoon of the retirement party and invite all of the retiree's associates, as well as his immediate family and close friends. Ask his friends and family what his personal interests are, mostly regarding plans for his retirement, and decorate the party space to reflect those interests and plans. Common themes and decorations include travel brochures, golfing accessories and items reflecting a hobby. Dot the room with pictures of the retiree and mementos from career achievements and awards. Caricatures and balloons will further enhance the festive ambiance of the event.