Christmas Parties Memphis Style

What’s that I hear? Christmas music already?! Yes, folks, the season is upon us. Even though Christmas itself is still over a month away, it’s already taken over store-fronts and shopping malls. I know many of you are already thinking about getting that fabled head start on buying gifts for the family and looking forward to decorating your own houses.

With all the excitement that this season brings, many businesses and offices around town are bound to be dreading the annual office Christmas party. You know the drill: co-workers huddled into small groups around the office, pilfering from a meat and cheese tray (probably purchased that same morning at Wal-Mart); everyone is attempting to make small talk, but all anyone can really talk about is... work.

This year, I’m here to help. I’ve searched high and low to come up with a list of fun, interactive alternatives to that boring, same-old-same-old Christmas party.

Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park: November 29-December 27. Starry Nights is the Mid-South’s largest holiday light show, featuring over 2 million lights! Take goofy photos with Santa (to hang in the office break room, or course), visit the Petting Zoo, then roast s’mores and drink hot chocolate around the campfire. But how to do it as a group? Charter the Backbeat bus, of course! Everything you can do in the office, you can do on the bus—drink, gab, even share Wal-Mart appetizers (if you must), but you’ll finally have something to talk about besides work. Call us at (901) 527-9415 or visit this website for more information.

Enchanted Forest at Pink Palace Museum: November 23-December 31. What could be better than walking through this winter wonderland complete with animated animals, an elves’ workshop, and penguins frolicking in the snow?! The Pink Palace’s halls are lined with Christmas trees donated and decorated by local businesses and individuals; you could even up the ante of your Christmas spirit by having your business sponsor a tree with your moniker and really show off your office teamwork! Check out all the different events that make up one big, happy Enchanted Forest here. 

Volunteer: Want to show just how well your office works as a team while also giving to the community? Why not become a designated drop-site for the Memphis chapter of Toys for Tots! To become an official Toys for Tots drop-site, fill out your company’s information here. Office not quite set up for easy toy-drop access? Host a clothing drive party! Have every one clean out their closets, then donate the items to the local Salvation Army (hello, tax deduction!) or even a homeless shelter. Perhaps your staff would like to spend time making gifts that make a huge difference? In that case, a care package assembly line might be right for you. Make care packages (snacks, drinks, puzzle books, magazines, etc.) for family members of hospice patients at Mid-South hospitals or for our troops overseas! Click Here for more great volunteering ideas.

Caroling: anytime, anywhere: What ever happened to good, old-fashioned, door-to-door Christmas caroling? Personally, I’ve always dreamed of opening my door at Christmas time to be greeted by a group of men and women dressed in Victorian clothes (but I suppose modern attire would be just as good) serenading me with holiday songs. In tune, out of tune, either way, it’s just fun! If that’s a bit too up close and personal for your group, then let Backbeat plan a caroling party for you! We’ll set up times for your group to sing at local retirement homes, hospitals, or even one of the parks around town (think: Court Square by the fountain!). If you’re feeling really brave, you could even schedule to make a record of your group at Sun Studio. Call us at (901) 527-9415 for details.

Beer-tasting parties: With the four new microbreweries in town, there are plenty of opportunities to let your inner elf shine through! Take your colleagues on a trip to any of these popular spots where they can learn about the process, recipes, and even taste some of those home-grown beers y’all want to try. If you like, we can combine them all into one single tour for you, accompanied by some of the best Memphis music you’ve ever heard! Memphis Made Brewery, High Cotton Brewing, Wiseacre Brewing Co. & Ghost River Brewery

Now that you’ve got some fresh, new ideas, get out there and start changing the face of your Annual Office Christmas Party. Do your party up Memphis style: with flare, with finesse, and most importantly—with FUN! 

Meagan May, Backbeat Guide and Party Planner Extraordinaire