Party time: making memorable holiday gatherings: show your employees how much you are by providing them a fun, safe holiday party.

• Author: Myers, Deborah J.

What better time to show your employees that you care about them than the holidays? Spread good cheer and camaraderie with a company holiday celebration. Your party is sure to be a hit if you plan ahead for a good time.

BUDGGETING helps you avoid over-spending or under-spending. Skip the Ebenezer Scrooge impression; spend enough to demonstrate your appreciation for employees' hard work. Encourage employees to bring their spouses or significant others because keeping them happy with your company decreases turnover.

Jerilyn Laramie of Perfect Parties by Jerilyn in Anchorage, estimates that a party for 150 to 200 guests should cost $5,000 to $7,000 for a nice venue, food and dancing, plus an additional $4,000 for alcohol.

THE THEME may seem obvious: the holidays right? But before you invest in decor or choose a site, consider your work force. If yours is diverse and feels strongly about their various cultural backgrounds, don't exclusively use one specific holiday. Or, you could go with a benign "holiday party" that excludes all references to any specific cultural or religious background. Adding a twist to the theme--such as medieval, masquerade or Old West--can also multiply the fun. The invitations should indicate the kind of party you will be hosting so employees won't show up at a luau in formal wear.

LOCATION, location, location." The manta holds true for real estate and planning a successful holiday party. If you have a nice conference facility at your workplace, use it for a cost-effective venue. The party goers will likely behave better in their work-day environment than at a party house or banquet hall. The downside is that it may not seem very festive (or generous of you) for employees to celebrate where they toil daily.

The home of an executive officer can provide a site that fosters closer bonding to employees of a very small company or single department. Of course, if yours is large, this may not be feasible.

If you're looking into a site away from work, keep in mind the mood you wish to evoke, whether it's a kicking party or an elegant bash. In Anchorage, Laramie likes using the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Fourth Avenue Theatre, Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. Book well in advance; sometimes a year or more is needed.

Offering alcohol at a private venue increases the company's liability considerably, so if you choose to provide alcohol, host the party at a place of lodging so that you can "have the hotel...