A Guide to Hosting a Memorable Company Holiday Party in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

It’s never too early to begin the planning for a company holiday party. In fact, it is becoming necessary to book the most desirable facilities in the Milwaukee area well in advance of the holidays. As the location of the gathering sets the stage for the entire holiday event, choosing the best site will result in an occasion that employees not only remember fondly but will eagerly anticipate every year.

Prior to deciding where to hold a company party, it may be helpful to spend a few moments considering the organization, and what kind of affect one would like to achieve. As every company has a different social atmosphere and “feel”, it is important to try to find a location that will best suit the guests and how they socialize. Will a small or large room be needed to accommodate the guests? What type of ambience would the guests enjoy? Would those in attendance feel more comfortable in a casual atmosphere or a more formal atmosphere? What location would be most convenient for the majority of the employees? Would the guests be more comfortable in smaller more intimate seating, or larger, more non-personal arrangements? What is the budget for this event? Prioritize for the event- for example, to provide excellent food, the perfect atmosphere, a centralized location?

Milwaukee, Wisconsin is home to many fine establishments that could play host to a memorable holiday company party. Karl Ratzsch’s in downtown Milwaukee has become a favorite place to hold company parties. Four dining rooms/banquet facilities can accommodate 50-150 guests. The atmosphere is traditional and comfortable. Menus including a complete dinner menu, daytime party menu or early dining menu are available, with a variety of culinary options ranging from German specialties to American fare. Karl Ratzch’s can be reached at 414.276.2720, or visit their website at www.karlratzsche.com.
Weissgerber’s Golden Mast Inn offers a beautiful and unique setting in Lake Country on Okauchee Lake. The facility offers rooms for 10-300 people, and there are several different types of menus from which to choose, including cocktail parties, appetizer parties, full dinners, and buffets. Wall to wall windows offer beautiful views of the lake and the rooms are seasonally decorated to add to the festive nature of the event. Golden Mast Inn can be reached at 866.232.8688, or visit their website at www.weissgerbers.com.

The Trysting Place Pub in Menomonee Falls is a more casual location for holiday gatherings. Their banquet facilities can accommodate 25-150 guests. The Trysting Place Pub also offers catering services which might be an attractive option if a company has an area on premises that could be used. The Trysting Place Pub offers a number of unique buffet style menus including the Deluxe Buffet, the Super Deluxe Buffet, the Tailgater, the Luncheon Buffet, the Pizza Buffet, the Fish and Chicken Buffet, the Mexican Buffet, and their famous pig roast. The Trysting Place Pub can be reached at 262.255.4110, or visit their website at www.trysting.com.

One of the largest establishments to offer banquet facilities is the Country Springs Hotel in Waukesha. With 20 meeting and banquet rooms, there is certainly a room within the hotel that would work well for any size or nature of company party. Holiday parties are actually a specialty of the Country Springs Hotel. They offer not only a room in which to host your event, but several additional holiday features such as tractor driven wagon rides through the well known holiday lights display that will add to the festive nature of the party. A large array of dining and beverage choices is available to customize the event. They offer an experienced staff which will help in decision making and organization. The new Springs Water Park, part of the Country Springs Hotel, is also on site. The Country Springs Hotel can be reached at 262.547.0201, or visit their website at www.countryinnhotel.com.

Historic Red Circle Inn in Nashotah rounds out the list of company holiday party locations. Established in 1848, the Red Circle Inn is Wisconsin’s oldest restaurant. The establishment has a long and rich history which is evident in the quaint and cozy building. They offer well prepared classic menu choices which include meats, fish, poultry and game. Several different banquet rooms can accommodate a few to many. Hors D’Oeuvres and dinner selections are available, as are open and cash bar choices. The Red Circle Inn can be reached at 262.367.4883, or visit their website at www.foodspot.com/redcircleinn.

Regardless of the size or nature of your company holiday party, Milwaukee is sure to have a location that will lend itself to hosting a wonderful and memorable holiday occasion.