8 Ways to Do Office Celebrations Differently

Hoping to discover a few fresh ways to handle office celebrations? Tradition is one thing, but falling into a rut of predictable party planning is just too easy to do. Office celebrations should be anticipated but filled with pleasant surprises. It should also be a way to shake off the tensions of the day. Everyone needs a break from everyday tasks, no matter how close-knit your team is.

How do you plan office celebrations that are fresh and fun, short of hiring an event professional? For inspiration, here are nine ways to do office celebrations differently. We at Peerspace present a few suggestions as to what kind of event would be well-served by a particular kind of celebration, but use your judgment and creativity — and what you know about your co-workers — to choose the right theme. Scale the occasion up or down as you see fit!

Why celebrate in the first place?

First of all, what makes a proper excuse to throw an office party? Well, there are all kinds of things to celebrate.

For one, company milestones include a colleague’s promotion or retirement, team achievement of a sales goal, the closing of a tough project, or the end of the busy season — these are all causes for celebration.

Birthdays are an easy reason to throw down, but your colleagues may also be planning a wedding, expecting a baby, or completing an advanced degree.

Understand that it’s probably going to be difficult for someone to invite the entire office to an intimate family celebration, but that’s no reason for you not to celebrate. Fête them in your own way!

Check out our fun office party ideas for more party-planning inspiration!

How to start planning office celebrations

The best way to start planning your celebration is to book a unique Peerspace!

As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, Peerspace makes it easy to book dream locations in cities across the globe. All spaces are owned by local hosts who strive to make your experience exceptional. Some venues offer catering and staffing options, while others can help you secure outside vendors. Choose a spot to escape for a few hours and embrace the vibe and feel of the space.

Now, let’s get on to our unique office celebrations suggestions and matching Peerspace venue ideas!

1. Party the night away in a colorful artist’s loft

Step out of the office, and embrace the airy, bright space of an artist’s loft in New York City. Rent a photo booth with custom backdrops, accessories, and lighting if you like. This is a fun opportunity for an event with a guest of honor. Everyone gets a keepsake and the person being celebrated gets a contemporary scrapbook to take home.

2. Host a picture-perfect party in a private screening room

Wind down and catch a classic flick that inspires and motivates, featuring entrepreneurs who follow their dreams, such as Baby Boom, Jerry McGuire, Erin Brockovich, or the ultimate celebration of capitalism, Wall Street. Book a private Peerspace screening room like this one in Westlake Village, and don’t forget the popcorn!

3. Get everyone moving at a gorgeous dance studio

Who doesn’t love to dance? Start by booking a spacious dance studio through Peerspace, like this gorgeous ballroom in Winchester, MA. Then, share a belly dancing class, complete with hip scarves from BellyDance.com, and a menu of kababs and iced chai tea.

Alternatively, try a Rockabilly theme with a jukebox and a dance instructor on hand. Serve milkshake shots — spiked or not — and sliders!

4. Go happy hour bowling

Does your office get together for a monthly happy hour? For example, North Bowl in Philadelphia provides a different kind of office celebration: private lanes with video projection, an upscale snack menu, and full bar service.

You can also book a private bowling alley through Peerspace, such as this colorful venue in Seattle. Tasty food and good-natured competition paired with matching t-shirts and awards is the ultimate in happy hour entertainment.

5. Head outdoors on a lovely day

Book a guided hike or mountain bike ride to close out a Friday afternoon. Even better, combine it with a volunteer opportunity to help maintain and clean up the trails.

When you’re finished, enjoy a catered picnic from a company like Beyond Catering in Chicago. They’ll provide picnic-style Buona Italian beef sandwiches, pasta salad, and watermelon slices. Make the event even more special by booking an outdoor venue like this Logan Square secret rooftop garden on Peerspace.

6. Bring in a food truck for lunch

Everybody has a birthday, so you probably don’t have the luxury of going all-out to celebrate every single one. Do you only have time for a quick office celebration? Stay in the office and have the party come to you!

You can also opt to escape the office and head to a Peerspace venue like this outdoor setup in Miami. It’s owned and operated by a local nonprofit group that also operates the area’s only nonprofit food truck! It’s not often you can enjoy lunch with your colleagues while knowing you’re bettering your community.

These are the launch party ideas that will wow your guests!

7. Bask in nostalgia at an ’80s throwback

Embrace your inner child and blow off some steam by turning your office into a temporary arcade! Video Amusement in the San Francisco Bay Area rents full-size, nostalgic video games to locations across the country. In addition to classics like Pac-Man and Space Invaders, they have a variety of vintage-style pinball machines, as well as more contemporary carnival, driving, and music games.

How about a competition of Daytona Championship USA or the World’s Fastest Drummer games? Who doesn’t like Whack-a-Mole or XL Connect Four? Pair it with giant soft pretzels, corn dogs, and Coca-Cola in glass bottles. Fill baskets with a retro ’80s candy assortment from SweetServices.com, and call it a party!

8. Create exciting Instagrammable decor

This is particularly appropriate for an in-office wedding or baby shower. Balloons have come a long way since arcs of rainbow colors or weighted bouquets! Think giant champagne bubbles, asymmetrical shapes and sizes to provide texture and color to an otherwise traditional arch or a balloon-covered ceiling. Serve ice-cold milk in glass bottles and dessert from a favorite baker, as well as a fresh fruit pie, red velvet cupcakes, or a delivery from Insomnia Cookies.

If you’re near St. Louis, consider booking an Instagrammable venue through Peerspace. For instance, this eclectic bohemian loft in Overland is a wonderful setting for Insta-worthy office celebrations!

Ways to do office celebrations differently: conclusion

No one wants to attend the same-old office party. And by using these ideas for unique and fun office celebrations, you’ll never have to again!

Start by booking a fresh and vibrant Peerspace party venue, and then let these suggestions guide your activities. Your colleagues will be grateful for the change in atmosphere and your creativity!

Find unique event spaces on Peerspace