Planning a Company Holiday Party? Don’t Forget the Bartender!
The company holiday party is your chance to say “thank you” to your team in a fun, relaxed way. It shouldn’t feel like just another office meeting with a bland slide deck and lukewarm energy. Whether you’re going all-out at a downtown venue or keeping it cozy at the office, there’s one thing guaranteed to bring good vibes: a great bar.
But before you run to Costco for plastic cups and hope for the best, let’s stop you right there. If you really want to impress your colleagues, boost morale, and make this year’s holiday party the one people talk about (in a good way), you need a professional bartender on your guest list. Here’s why.
Why Bartenders Are the MVPs of Corporate Holiday Parties
When planning a holiday party, it’s easy to focus solely on the food, decor, and playlist, but the drink setup can make or break the guest experience. A professional bartender ensures your event runs smoothly from the first toast to the last call.
Here’s why bartenders matter:
They keep things organized. Instead of crowding around a DIY bar or assigning someone from the team to serve drinks, a bartender keeps the flow moving efficiently so guests spend less time waiting and more time enjoying themselves.
They help with responsible alcohol service. Licensed bartenders are trained to serve responsibly and recognize when someone’s had enough, which is an especially important consideration for corporate events.
They elevate the experience. From shaking up signature cocktails to recommending drink pairings, a bartender adds polish and professionalism that shows your team you went the extra mile.
They reduce your workload. Setup, service, and cleanup are all handled by the bartending team, freeing you up to actually enjoy the party.
Hiring a professional isn’t just about drinks, but about creating a better overall event experience.
The Perks of Hiring a Professional Bartending Team
Hiring a licensed, insured bartending service offers more than just convenience; it adds a layer of professionalism and peace of mind that you can’t get with a DIY setup or volunteer bartender.
Here are some key benefits of working with a professional bartending team at your company party:
Licensed service: This protects your company and your guests, especially if alcohol is being served. Professional bartenders understand the legal and safety considerations involved in alcohol service.
Customized bar setup: Whether you want a simple beer and wine station or a full cocktail bar with seasonal specials, professional bartenders can tailor the setup to fit your venue, guest count, and event style.
Pre-event guidance: A good bartending team helps you plan ahead: offering shopping lists (if you’re supplying the alcohol), calculating quantities based on your guest count, and suggesting drink menus that fit your event.
Setup, service, and cleanup included: The bartending team handles everything behind the scenes so you can focus on hosting and enjoying the party. No last-minute runs to the store, no messy cleanups, and no stress.
Guest experience matters: A friendly, skilled bartender creates a welcoming environment, answers drink questions, and ensures that everyone feels taken care of throughout the night.
In short, hiring professionals means fewer headaches, fewer risks, and a more polished, enjoyable event for your team.
Custom Cocktails = Office Culture Win
One of the easiest ways to make your company holiday party feel special? Serve drinks your team didn’t expect—and won’t forget.
Custom cocktails give you a chance to tailor the bar menu to match your company’s personality, event theme, or even team inside jokes. Whether it’s a festive twist on a classic or a drink named after your department mascot, signature cocktails add a personal touch that shows you put thought into the event.
Here’s how custom company cocktails add value:
Encourages engagement: People love trying something new—and posting it on their socials. Custom drinks often become a talking point or even a photo opportunity.
Creates consistency with the theme: Planning a winter wonderland or ugly sweater bash? Your drinks can match the vibe with names, colors, and ingredients to suit.
Includes everyone: A professional bartending team can craft non-alcoholic versions that still feel elevated and festive, so every guest can participate.
Our team at The Top Shelf Bartenders can help you design a cocktail menu that reflects your company culture and keeps your guests sipping something they’ll remember.
Don’t DIY the Bar (Trust Us!)
On the surface, setting up your own bar might seem like a way to save money, but doing so often creates more problems than it solves.
Without a professional behind the bar, here’s what you risk:
Inconsistent service: You may end up relying on a coworker to pour drinks, which takes them away from enjoying the event and usually leads to long lines or messy setups.
Overbuying (or underbuying) alcohol: Without experience, it’s easy to overspend on the wrong items or run out halfway through the night.
No one managing the flow: A professional bartender keeps the pace of service steady, ensures drinks are mixed correctly, and watches out for overconsumption.
A DIY approach might work for a casual hangout, but when it comes to a company-wide celebration, it’s worth investing in pros who know how to manage the bar, handle the logistics, and take pressure off your plate.
Why Companies in Arizona Love The Top Shelf Bartenders
The Top Shelf Bartenders has become a trusted go-to for corporate event bartending across Arizona, and it’s not just because we mix a great cocktail.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Fully licensed and insured team: We take the guesswork and liability off your plate so you can focus on your event.
Customized bartending packages: Whether you’re planning a party for 20 or 200, we tailor everything, from setup to service, to fit your needs.
Service across Arizona: We proudly serve Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Mesa, and beyond.
Added experiences: Want to go beyond basic bartending? We also offer wine tastings, mixology experiences, and more for a truly elevated event.
Clients love working with us because we bring the perfect balance of professionalism and personality. Our team shows up on time, sets up quickly, treats your guests with care, and keeps the good times rolling.
Let’s Make Spirits Bright
The holiday season gets busy fast, and so do our bookings.
If you’re planning a company holiday party in Arizona, now’s the time to lock in your bartender. Whether you’re looking for full-service support, custom cocktails, or an unforgettable guest experience, The Top Shelf Bartenders is ready to make it happen.
