Whether it’s a huge corporate party, an intimate office gathering or an opportunity to do something totally removed from work, meeting professionals are kicking things up a notch this season when it comes to end of year gatherings. With the holidays and New Year’s Eve around the corner, this month is all about not only making the most of the last part of 2019, but the last part of a decade! So a lot of people are going big when it comes to entertainment.
Here are my top tips for throwing a fantastic fete this season.
Set the Tone
Music sets the mood for any event, so it’s important to create the right ambiance (whether it’s loud and high-energy for dancing or chill music designed to be able to hold conversations over). Music brings the party to life, regardless of the size of the gathering or the theme. Consider the following options:
- DJ/Karaoke Party
- Fun Party Band
- Tribute Band
- Solo Acoustic Performer
- Dueling Pianos
- String Duo, Trio or Quartet
Theme It
A fun theme helps connect guests and gives the event a central focus to create menus, music, entertainment and more. From a classic casino night with games to a Cirque-themed bash a theme is a fun way to get guests involved and liven up the night. Some popular theme ideas include:
- Casino Party
- Motivational Speakers/Dancers
- Cirque Performers (Hoop dancers, poi or jugglers)
- Aerialists
- Fire Breathers
- Stilt Walkers
More: Best New Year’s Eve Destinations to Ring in 2020
Step it Up
Another fun way to really involve guests is by offering an activity or an interactive element. When you give party guests something to do, it really takes the party to the next level, gets everyone involved in some way and makes for a really memorable night. Some of my favorites are:
- Photo Booth (including all sorts of fun props to liven up each picture)
- Comedian
- Living Mural Painter
- Tattoo Artist, Face Painter or Henna Artist
For those that really want to take their event up a notch, consider a bash focused on all things magical, mysterious and mystical. This type of unexpected element really gets people interacting on a deeper level and it’s always fun to see how guests respond. “Out of the box” ideas can include:
- Fortune Tellers
- Mentalists
- Hypnotists
- Strolling Magicians
The most important part of any holiday gathering is the guests. Making sure everyone is involved, included and having a good time is really what any event is about. It’s also the host’s job to have fun with their guests, which is why having an expert take care of the entertainment is ideal.
Eric Cheroske is the founder of Got you Covered Entertainment, with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. Since 2003 Cheroske and his team have been creating memorable and impactful events with outstanding entertainment, ranging from weddings, to corporate galas and everything in between.
