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Christmas Parties Gone Wrong; All Work and No Play...Celebrating the Holidays with your Work Crew
By Carrie Stadtmueller, Content Conductor There are many types of Christmas traditions out there, but none perhaps as steeped and as important as planning the PERFECT holiday office party! The perfect office party is just the right blend of structure and professionalism with just enough of a relaxed atmosphere where people can cut loose enough with some fun and slight indulgences. A time to celebrate a year of accomplishments! We’ve helped many companies and businesses plan perfect celebrations with class and flair. And, it’s always great for our clients to know that they have an extra set of eyes and hands on site to help should things get out of hand - or slightly out of control. How can things get out of control, you might ask? Well, anytime you mix good food, good drink, good music, and good fun – you run the risk of things getting out of control. Take these examples for instance:
Best of the Christmas Parties - The Office
The Office has great examples for what “not to do” on so many occasions. This compilation of their holiday parties is a gold mine! But, there is one rule that really sticks out in this… Holiday Party Tip: Don’t drink too much! If your employer is offering you a drink and you don’t mind - accept, but watch and limit yourself! If there is one place you cannot afford to lose your senses, it is at an event that is hosted by your boss and attended by your coworkers. You do not want to be the talk around the watercooler the next Monday! Best advice - probably stick to a two drink maximum. This will allow you to enjoy yourself without having to pay for it later!
When you choose to celebrate appropriately, your office holiday party can be a great way to build strong team ties and camaraderie and celebrate a year of accomplishments or milestones. Follow these tips to have a great time!
-Your MBD Event Planning Team 
Contact MBD Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken By Carrie Stadtmueller, Content Conductor We are smack dab in the middle of prime Engagement Season, and Christmas is the crowning jewel - no pun intended, of dates when smitten gentlemen like to pop the question. And it’s no big surprise why – twinkly lights, decorated trees, winter wonderlands – the setting and decor is pretty much-taken care of for you. It’s practically a Hallmark Movie waiting to happen! The holidays are already a romantic time of year, it’s no wonder, many couples capitalize on the romance of it all!  If you are looking into popping the question this holiday season, there are some things you may want to consider before you get down on one knee: Think about what your partner likes Is your partner a private person? If so, a proposal in front of your entire family over Christmas dinner might not be the best option – even if you both absolutely love each other’s families. If they are a more private person, perhaps a quiet walk on a snowy path in the woods? Or a horse-drawn carriage in on a crisp winter’s night under twinkle lights downtown? There are still ways to involve your families and friends after she has said yes — which leads us into the next consideration….. Check with your partner’s friends and family Are you thinking about asking your significant other to marry you during gift opening or some other party or event? You may want to let someone else know so that it isn’t a complete surprise to EVERYONE else there. They are all going to want to be a part of the big event. You’d hate to have someone miss out, and they can all serve as extra help! Weather If you’re planning an outdoor proposal, you will want to keep the weather in mind. If you live in Colorado - this is just a given - you always want to have a backup plan. We think a snowy proposal could actually be very romantic – however, a blizzard, not so much!  Plan ahead Don’t assume that you’ll be able to walk into your favorite restaurant or bar for drinks. We are still living in a pandemic. Some establishments are still operating under limited capacity. So please – plan ahead! Don’t wait until the last minute to call for reservations! This time of year is always busier and typically gets booked months in advance. You may also need to enlist other vendors to help you pull off your perfect proposal – florists, event rentals, musicians – whomever you may choose to help with your Big Day – this is a very busy time of year for event professionals. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. Don’t have your dream of a holiday proposal thwarted by poor planning. Creative Proposal Ideas My Big Day has curated an entire Pinterest Board full of creative Holiday Proposals. Follow this Board of ideas to inspire your big ask: https://www.pinterest.com/MyBigDayEvents/the-perfect-proposal/  Contact MBD Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken  When the holidays draw near, do you feel the need to reach for a beer? The relatives are in town, and you are putting in your time with the family... Well, spike that eggnog, Sparky, grab your favorite moose mug, and play My Big Day's "Christmas Vacation Drinking Game!" What you will need for this game: an beer, eggnog, wine, or your drink of choice, a Santa hat & a single shot of your choice (perhaps a lime Jello shot topped with cat food). *** Disclosure: please don't drink to put up with family, then drive.
 Contact MBD Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken We've noticed that our followers really appreciate game ideas... especially drinking game ideas. With a rough couple years behind us, and a global pandemic still lingering, we understand for the need for 'at home' party ideas! Since our "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Drinking Game" is so popular, we decided to add "A Christmas Story Drinking Game" for those of you looking to add some variety to your regular holiday program viewing!  "A Christmas Story Drinking Game"Rules: Party safe, try to place with drinks that don't have super high alcohol content! (You will be drinking a lot this game!) To pad your stomach prior to playing, kudos to the host for providing some "Meatloaf, smeatloaf, double-beatloaf." Drink every time:
Finish your drink:
Group Rules:
Enjoy!!!  Entertaining for the holidays can have you juggling many roles: chef, bartender, performer – even family mediator. Setting up a self-serve bar for your holiday party gives you more time to enjoy your guests, but it may not be as simple as you think. Here are some tips to DIY a successful self-serve bar for the holidays.  Keep the drink selection simple As the party host, it’s up to you how many drink options you’d like to supply for your guests. You can stick to just beer and wine, add in a themed cocktail, or stock all the basics of a full bar and allow guests to create their own drinks. Here are some staples to consider:
Pre-mix drinks If you’d like to serve a signature cocktail hassle-free, you can pre-mix ingredients and serve them in a large beverage dispenser. To keep drinks cold without diluting them, chill ingredients thoroughly before mixing, then: add ice cubes made out of your non-alcoholic ingredients, add frozen fruit, or choose a beverage dispenser designed to keep liquids cold. Write cocktail recipes for guests If your guests like to be a bit more hands-on, you can provide the cocktail recipe and let guests mix their own drinks. Choose a signature cocktail or two and print the recipes on paper or cardstock, write them on a chalkboard, or even on a mirror. If a drink requires an exact measurement, be sure to have that measuring utensil available. Don’t forget to provide any garnishes.  Choose drinks that complement your theme or occasion This is the fun part: brainstorming signature drinks to suit your party theme or occasion. Warm, rich drinks are welcome at a cozy fall or winter party. Traditional drinks like mulled wine are a festive addition to holiday parties. And fresh, fruity drinks are ideal for summer get-togethers. For ideas and inspiration, check out our list of eight signature cocktails for your next event or five fall-inspired cocktail recipes. Purchase the right amount of alcohol for your party Party duration, number of guests, type of alcohol, and type of party all affect how much alcohol you’ll need to purchase. This drink calculator from Evite is a great place to start. Have supplies readily available The supplies you’ll need depend on the complexity of your drink offerings. Even the most basic self-serve bar will need:
Other supplies to consider include:
 eep your guests (and yourself) safe With a self-serve bar, you won’t be able to keep track of how much alcohol each guest consumes. Look for signs of intoxication (loud speech, slurred speech, stumbling, rude behavior, etc.) and discourage any guests you suspect to be impaired from driving. Be ready to call ride services, offer a room for the night, or even to call police if things escalate. Check your local and state laws: As party host, you may be held responsible for the actions of impaired guests, even after they’ve left your property. Sound like a lot? With some planning and drink prep, anyone can provide their own self-serve bar this holiday season. But if you’re short on time or just don’t feel ready, you can book all of these services with On the Rocks. You’ll get a consultation with us to discuss drink ideas, how much alcohol you’ll need to purchase, and delivery coordination. On the day of your event, our TIPS-certified bartenders – trained in safe service and preventing drunk driving and underage intoxication – will serve your guests, so you can be worry free.  Christmas isn’t just for gathering with friends and family to celebrate the season - it’s also a beautiful time to plan a winter wedding! A December/Christmas inspired wedding is the perfect opportunity to not only celebrate your love, but to also throw the best holiday party ever! We’ve curated a list of some holiday inspired wedding tips and ideas that will surely get you and your guests into the seasonal spirit, and elevate your event beyond the typical holiday celebration!
When you create your invitation suite, make sure you include the following: Invitation for event, directions, response cards & envelopes, inner envelope, mailing envelope, and plenty of postage. You might also consider adding a special reception card, local highlights information, and suggestions for accommodations for out of town guests.  Ceremony & Reception Decor Greenery and red poinsettias are natural choices for Christmas wedding decor (hello, every Hallmark Christmas movie!). You can certainly get creative with how you use these elements. Use greenery garlands to outline reception areas, set up vignettes around white-lighted Christmas trees, include layers of red and white poinsettias as a backdrop for your ceremony. The possibilities are endless. You don’t have to settle for a red and green color palette, either. How about deep navy and silver? White twinkle lights and gold? All of these options are holiday inspired! Bouquets & Boutonnieres There are so many extra touches that you can add to a holiday bridal bouquet and boutonniere! Pinecones are a fun and wintry addition to any Christmas-inspired bouquet. Berries and pine sprigs are also easy festive elements to incorporate. Did you know, according to ancient folklore, the Druids regarded holly as a sacred plant and believed it had magical powers of protection? Definitely consider adding some holly to your floral arrangements for good luck!  Jingle Bells! With a holiday wedding you can capitalize on both Jingle Bells and Wedding Bells! Hand out small bells for guests to ring after the ceremony instead of birdseed or bubbles. Guests can also ring their bells when they want a kiss from the bride and groom during the reception, instead of using their silverware on china to call for this tradition. Serve festive cocktails. You can expand the typical bar with holiday flavors including eggnog, peppermint, and cranberry. Holiday drinks often look fancy with extra flourishes and flair - perfect for a fancy wedding reception! Incorporate holiday inspired guest favors. Guests will be excited to receive a memento that they will actually want to keep! Engraved holiday ornaments with your wedding date, or their names carved or written on a themed ornament will remind your guests of your special day for years to come! You can also send your guests home with tasty treats too! Holiday cookies, gold wrapped chocolates, or even packaged homemade eggnog will surely be hits!  Hot Cocoa and Cookies - Santa’s favorite! Why not consider offering a hot cocoa bar in addition to the spirits you serve? Perhaps include a wide offering of Christmas and Holiday cookies for dessert instead of the traditional wedding cake or cupcakes? You’re guests will enjoy making their own hot cocoa concoctions and dunking their favorite holiday cookies in them for fun! Think Texture. There are so many different textures that you can incorporate into your clothing, decor, and venue to inspire holiday magic. Velvet dresses and accessories for brides and bridesmaids, plaids and cording for grooms and groomsmen, gold and silver accents, wood and greenery, snow and ice…...all special holiday touches. Create a cozy atmosphere. Cozy fires, twinkle lights, candles, and scents of the season, will be an inviting touch for your guests. Create intimacy by utilizing non traditional seating arrangements for dinner - family style serving, seating in groups, long tables, couches and overstuffed chairs by fireplaces.  Contact MBD Marketing & Events Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken We have been rocking around the Christmas tree all month to these tunes! If you want to update your playlist with some of our favorites - be our guest! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1A5F8vdeA2BbM4lYKnEFcQ
And of course, everyone’s Christmas Favorite --- “All I Want for Christmas Is You” - Mariah Carey  Contact MBD Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken We know there are many families who will not be gathering together over the holidays this year. Even though families won't physically be together, there are still ways to honor special traditions and celebrate with one another, virtually! Here are some ideas to spruce up your family’s online celebrations this year:
If crazy dress up is not your style, use this gathering as an excuse to ditch the covid sweatpants and fix yourself up a bit! 
Create a Christmas BINGO game, Christmas Pictionary, or a Christmas Scavenger Hunt. The possibilities are endless!
 Northern Colorado is primped and primed for an outstanding 2019 Holiday Season! We have so many suggestions for holiday fun, there won’t be a moment to rest between now and Christmas! There is something for everyone - families, couples, singles, pets -- you name it! Get your jingle bells on and check out our Ultimate NoCo Holiday Events Guide - you’re sure to find one of the MBD elves at some of these fun stops!  November 28 Thanksgiving Day Trots and Races - Fort Collins & Greeley, CO You can burn some calories before you stuff yourself with all the turkey and trimmings! Both Fort Collins and Greeley will host their own Turkey Trot Races. You can register for the Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day Run here: http://www.fctdayrun.com/ and the Greeley event here: https://ncmcfoundation.org/event/ncmc-turkey-trot-2k5k-fun-runwalk/ November 30 Greeley Lights the Night Parade - Greeley, CO This lighted holiday parade kicks of the Christmas season in downtown Greeley! There will be over 70 lighted parade floats that will lead revelers through downtown Greeley to Lincoln Park where the holiday light switch will be thrown! Make plans to attend this fun, FREE event! https://greeleycalendar.com/event/greeley-lights-night-parade/ Wellington Carriage Rides - Wellington, CO The city of Wellington will help you get into the holiday spirit by offering carriage rides throughout the holiday season. Rides are $5 a person (kids under 12 are free). The fun goes from 5:00-7:00PM on weekends. https://www.facebook.com/events/666469630543989/ Cookie Decorating at Old Colorado Brewing Co - Wellington, CO Simply Cakes will be set up in the Old Colorado Brewing Company’s taproom to teach you how to decorate a variety of holiday cookies and treats! https://www.facebook.com/events/527038044799919/ December 1 Santa’s Reindeer Return to Bath Garden Center - Fort Collins, CO Make plans to meet up with Santa’s back up reindeer at the Bath Garden Center in Fort Collins. They will be greeting visitors on three Saturdays throughout the month of December. https://www.facebook.com/events/2131960497100225/?event_time_id=2132048423758099 Holiday Wreath Making Workshop @ Studio Vino - Loveland, CO Local florist Wild Posies will provide all the tools and supplies to create a beautiful fresh holiday wreath! https://www.facebook.com/events/809778466121632/  December 5 Parade of Lights Preview - Fort Collins, CO What could be better than free entertainment? The Colorado State Marching Band will be putting their final preparations on their Parade of Lights performance. Pick a spot on the route and watch the band’s light filled practice parade! https://www.visitftcollins.com/event/parade-of-lights-preview-free/20355/ December 6 Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer Musical - Greeley, CO Get your tickets early for this popular holiday show! Rudolph will be performed at the Union Colony Civic Theater: https://ucstars.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=440 Timnath Holiday Lighting Festival - Timnath, CO Everyone is invited to help Timnath kick off the holiday season! There will be tons of holiday activities for you to partake in - and Christmas lights galore! https://www.facebook.com/events/426342131394677/ December 7 Homesteaders Holiday - Greeley, CO This family friendly event benefits the Friends of the Greeley Museums. You’ll be able to tour festively decorated historical homes and enjoy activities for the entire family. Relive holidays from the past at this fun event! https://www.eventcrazy.com/Greeley-CO/events/details/24643-Homesteaders-Holiday Wellington’s Annual Christmas Parade of Lights -Wellington, CO Make plans to attend Wellington’s Parade of Lights starting at 5:00PM. Santa Claus will be there to help kick off the holiday celebration! You can even promote your business in the parade! https://www.facebook.com/events/427423841297982/ Winter Maker’s Market @ New Belgium - Fort Collins, CO Over 40 local vendors, hot drinks, food trucks, and live music will be set up from 11am-5pm at New Belgium! Word is Santa will be there too! https://www.facebook.com/events/531613097387691/ Windsor Wonderland - Windsor, CO Santa Claus is coming to town! Windsor Wonderland will have holiday treats, live performances, a tree lighting ceremony and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus! https://www.facebook.com/events/2181196872180578/  December 8 Johnstown Jingle - Johnstown, CO Another town holiday celebration! There will be pictures with Santa, reindeer to meet, carolers to enjoy, holiday shopping, gingerbread houses and more! https://www.facebook.com/events/267581034140696/ December 13 A Christmas Nightmare Day @ Ice Rink at The Promenade Shops - Loveland, CO It’s a Friday 13th Christmas Mash Up! Come skate, dressed up as your favorite character from everyone’s favorite Christmas Nightmare movie! https://www.facebook.com/events/3183307898409347/ December 14 TUBA Christmas in Oak Street Plaza - Fort Collins, CO This fun event has been a staple of downtown holiday celebrations since 1974. Come listen to a plethora of tubas, sousaphones, euphoniums and baritone horns play your holiday favorites! https://www.eventcrazy.com/Fort-Collins-CO/events/details/279528-A-Tuba-Christmas December 16 Chocolate and Tequila Pairing @ Wicked Tequila - Loveland, CO Yum! Two favorites - chocolate and tequila! Wicked Tequila Room will be partnering with Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory from Estes Park for this fun and tasty event! https://www.facebook.com/events/1927858474027669/ December 23 Light the Menorah - Greeley, CO Chabad of Northern Colorado will be celebrating Hanukkah with the lighting of the Menorah on the 9th St. Plaza in downtown Greeley. https://z-m-www.facebook.com/events/601758873696401/ December 29 Menorah lighting and Chanukah Celebration - Fort Collins Join in celebration with this Fort Collins tradition. The giant menorah will be lit in Old Town Square and will include Jewish holiday music and traditional Chanukah foods. https://www.visitftcollins.com/event/menorah-lighting-and-chanukah-celebration/21039/ December 31 Crystal Ball 2019 - Estes Park Ring in the New Year at the Stanley Hotel’s Crystal Ball celebration! https://www.facebook.com/events/2423215514645481/  November 15-January 1 Winter Wonderlights - Loveland, CO Celebrate the holidays in a new light! This walkable holiday attraction will be available for you to see throughout the holiday season. Stroll through the Chapungo Sculpture Park and marvel at all of the lights and tunnels. Weekends will include live entertainment and family friendly activities! https://www.facebook.com/LovelandWinterWonderlights/ November 29-December 7 UCCC Festival of Trees - Greeley, CO Join in a Greeley tradition and visit the 31st Annual Festival of Trees presented by the City of Greeley and the Greeley Philharmonic Guild. The beautiful tree displays are only part of the holiday fun served up at this event - there’s also a silent auction and other family friendly entertainment as well! http://greeleygov.com/activities/fot/festival-of-trees November 30-December 21 Downtown Winter Market - Loveland, CO Get your holiday shopping done all in one spot, each weekend, November 30-December 21 in downtown Loveland, CO. The winter market runs from 3-7pm each Saturday. https://www.facebook.com/events/425456021701829/?event_time_id=425456028368495 December 6-8 Canyon Concert Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” - Fort Collins, CO Join the Canyon Concert Ballet troupe as they perform this holiday classic! https://www.facebook.com/events/671329656712587/?event_time_id=671329666712586
We had a great holiday season and hope you did too! Thank you to all of our clients who trust us with their company parties large and small!
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970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 EMAIL US
We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken
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