Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, you will likely be spending the majority of the holiday at work with colleagues you may or may not have a lot of love for.
Not exactly F-U-N.
While your office may not be the best place to be decking the halls with shiny foil red hearts or candy-tipped arrows being shot by underdressed, chubby babies with wings, it also doesn’t have to be a bastion of death.
With a little creativity, some sensibility (and permission from your boss) you can host a whimsical Valentine’s Day party at work that includes more than just a bag of Twizzlers thrown on the break room table and wilted daisies serving as the centerpiece.
I’m pretty sure that only happens at my old office.
An overtly lovey-dovey, romantic theme is inappropriate for an office setting, so instead of decorating your party area with a bunch of candles, lace hearts, mesh and roses, consider sticking with a burgundy and ivory color scheme. For a less formal affair, go with fun pinks or magenta for balloons, streamers, disposable table cloths and plates.
Also, nix the dry ice, romantic music and dimmed lights, and have fun with some tame party games. For example, workplaces where employees share a common lunch hour are the perfect environment to play “My Secret Valentine.” This simple ice breaker requires each player to jot down five statements about him or herself on a small index card. The cards are then placed in a basket and employees are told to select one. After looking at what is written on the card, players chat with colleagues to find the person whose traits are featured on the card. The match is that person’s “Secret Valentine.”
As for the party menu, if your employer is not willing to fund the Love Day spread, consider a potluck where each person brings in his or her favorite spicy dish. Another option is to host a simple dessert buffet and ask your co-workers to share their favorite sweet treats.
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