You’ve set the date, sent the invites, now it’s time to plan this season’s holiday party. Many hosts start with a guest count to figure out a floor plan that works with other important areas like a dance floor, bar, and maybe a seasonal booth, all in the same room. Below is our quick guide to help you make the most out of your event space, whether you’re planning a formal seated dinner or casual cocktail mingler.

Seated Dinner Holiday Party

A classic holiday meal is often served seated; it’s often the more formal and intimate choice. This is a great option if you’re hosting anything from just your loved ones at home to a large annual gala.

Cocktail-Style Holiday Party

For a more casual setting, opt for a cocktail-style party. This style encourages more mingling and works great for company holiday gatherings or larger guest counts. A good rule of thumb is planning to seat about 30-40% of your guest count, and enough high-top cocktail tables for the rest for a good balance.

Don't Forget: Your Holiday-Specific Space Eaters

Plan out extra square footage for:

• Bar or drink station - especially if you’re planning for multiple stations! Remember to plan for lines too. 
• Buffet or food line - crowds tend to gather here; plan for ample space for crowd control and flow. 
• Gift exchange or Secret Santa table - this could also double as your check-in table.
• Dance floor or DJ/band area - we want space for people to dance and enjoy the music.
• Photo backdrop or step-and-repeat - this could be anything from a small booth to a long carpet.
• Coat check - easy to forget, but this eats up real space in winter events.
• A tree or focal decor moment -  if you're planning for a statement piece.

Planning tip: subtract 15–20% of your usable floor space if you're adding a bar, buffet, and dance floor to your layout. This buffer allows for natural guest flow and avoids everything from feeling cramped.

Seated vs. Cocktail: Which Should You Choose?

• Choose a seated dinner if your event is more formal, involves speeches or keynotes, or you want guests settled for a longer program.
• Choose cocktail-style if the goal is mingling, networking, or a shorter, higher-energy event. This format also tends to fit more guests comfortably into the same square footage.

Not sure what your space can actually hold? Contact us for a walkthrough - we'll help you figure out the right layout before you commit to a headcount. Along with our in-house CAD team, we’ll make sure your holiday season is your most enjoyable yet.