From flowers and heart-shaped cards to candlelit dinners, Valentine’s Day is America’s celebration of all things romance. And while Valentine’s Day historically puts a spotlight on couples, it’s also the perfect chance to show your team how much you appreciate them.
There are many ways to celebrate Valentine’s day in the workplace, from cookie exchanges and catered meals to afternoon coffee and cupcakes. The sky’s the limit when it comes to making the day special — and delicious. Here are seven great Valentine’s Day party ideas that are all-inclusive and guaranteed to be fun for everyone on your team.
Valentine’s Day cookie exchange
Fresh-baked cookies are always a crowd pleaser, and a Valentine’s Day cookie exchange lets everyone sample a little bit of everything. Ask your team to bring a predetermined number of cookies to the party based on the total number of employees. The cookies can be purchased from a store or bakery, or your employees can bring in their own recipes.
Dress up a table or two with red tablecloths and Valentine-themed decor, along with paper plates, napkins, and any utensils you may need. You’ll also want to provide paper or plastic take-home bags or containers for guests to pack up their favorites to enjoy later.
Set up the cookies on a table in a central location such as a break room or lunch room. You may also wish to include hot coffee or cocoa, along with a festive beverage to commemorate the special day. A cookie exchange party creates a fun, communal atmosphere and allows employees to socialize and get to know one another outside of their daily work routines. You never know, you may just have the next great baking champion among your crew.
Valentine’s Day cupcake and coffee party
Cupcakes and Valentine’s Day go hand in hand, and they hit the spot when you’re looking to perk up an afternoon at the office. Valentine’s Day cupcakes come in a variety of flavors, ranging from traditional chocolate and vanilla to rich red velvet that pairs perfectly with this loveable holiday.
For a lively Valentine’s Day party, consider ordering a few trays of cupcakes in different flavors frosted in red and pink, and seal the deal with fresh coffee or hot chocolate. Many caterers offer customized cupcake batches to suit a variety of dietary preferences such as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, and they also supply boxed coffee, napkins, and utensils.
Valentine’s Day breakfast or lunch
Catered breakfast or lunch is a fun, inclusive way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the office. A breakfast bar with heart-shaped pancakes, French toast, or build-your-own waffles with all the sweet fixings is a great way to start the morning on a high note. You can also serve lighter options such as strawberry yogurt parfaits and bagels with strawberry cream cheese to keep up with the Valentine’s theme.
Catered lunch options might include foods your employees love, such as build-your-own taco bars with hard- and soft-shell tortillas and an abundance of fillings and fixings. If your team has a favorite food truck, consider scheduling a visit to show them how much you appreciate them.
Host a Valentine’s party for a good cause
While the December holiday season is commonly associated with giving back, you can also use your Valentine’s Day party as the backdrop to contribute to a good cause. A Valentine’s Day bake sale where all proceeds are donated to a chosen charity can be a lot of fun, and it’s a wonderful way to get everyone in the office to participate and socialize.
Some additional Valentine’s Day party ideas with a charitable theme include Valentine’s Day toy drives and office raffles with Valentine’s theme prizes such as chocolate and baked goods. You can also host a catered office party where guests “pay” admission in food or clothing donations for a local charity.
Decadent hot chocolate bar
Nothing says Valentine’s Day more than chocolate, and a hot chocolate bar is the perfect way to treat your office staff to a bit of decadence. Hot chocolate “bombs” and oversized, heart-shaped marshmallows make it easy for attendees to prepare drinks, and you can serve Valentine’s Day cookies or donuts with pink and white frosting for dunking.
Many local caterers provide everything you’ll need for a successful event, from powdered hot chocolate in festive flavors to pastry trays filled with your favorite V-day treats. If you need extra napkins, hot cups, or cutlery, be sure to let your catering manager know so there’s enough for each attendee.
Valentine’s Day potluck
An afternoon potluck at the office provides a fun way for coworkers to mingle, socialize, and share their signature recipes. Ask your team members to bring in their favorite dishes or desserts, and set everything up on a table in the breakroom or common area. You can also use Valentine’s Day-themed paper plates, napkins, and cups to commemorate the occasion.
Valentine’s Day Bingo
Bingo is a fun, all-inclusive game everyone enjoys, and you can easily incorporate this activity into your Valentine’s Day fun in a few simple steps. Print Bingo cards using an online template, or design your own with a touch of Valentine’s Day flair. Make sure to print enough copies for everyone in the office, and hand the cards out at your office Valentine’s Day party. Instead of traditional Bingo markers, give everyone a box of candy hearts to mark their matching letters — and enjoy as a treat once the game is over.
Valentine’s Day catering options with ezCater
Valentine’s Day is a fun-filled holiday everyone can enjoy, and hosting a party in the workplace is the perfect way to let your employees know just how much you appreciate their hard work and contributions. If you’re planning to include catering in your Valentine’s Day celebration, ezCater can help streamline the ordering process from start to finish to help ensure a successful, memorable event.
