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If you’re planning a corporate holiday party in Carmel, there’s one detail that can make or break the vibe: how you handle beverages. From festive cocktails to sparkling water, your bar setup sets the tone for the evening. The tricky part? Deciding whether to splurge on an open bar, stick with drink tickets, or skip alcohol altogether.
At BASH, we’ve seen every style of holiday celebration, from classy sit-down dinners to family-friendly scavenger hunts. Each approach has its perks (and a few drawbacks), so let’s walk through the options to help you decide what works best for your team.
Open Bar: The Classic Crowd Favorite
An open bar is the holiday party equivalent of rolling out the red carpet; it feels generous, fun, and instantly puts everyone in a celebratory mood.
Why it works:
Guests can sip whatever they’d like without restriction.
It encourages mingling and keeps energy high.
Nothing says “thank you, team” quite like free-flowing drinks.
Things to consider:
It’s the most expensive option.
Without limits, some guests may overdo it.
- For guests who don’t drink, it may feel uncomfortable.
Best fit: Open bars work well for larger companies that want to throw an extravagant year-end bash. If you’re envisioning a party that feels more like a night out on the town, this option will hit the mark.
Drink Tickets: Balanced & Budget-Friendly
Drink tickets are a smart middle ground. You provide each guest with a set number of tickets (usually two or three), and they can redeem them for their choice of spirits, beer, wine, or mocktail.
Why it works:
Keeps costs under control.
Guests still feel treated with a complimentary drink or two.
Easy for the company to budget.
Things to consider:
Tickets can run out fast, which might leave some guests wanting more.
Can lead to ticket-swapping toward the end of the evening.
Best fit: This option is ideal for mid-sized companies, or events where you want to keep the atmosphere light and festive without going over budget. Many Carmel holiday parties at BASH combine drink tickets with hearty catering, which makes for a perfect balance.
No Alcohol: Unexpected but Totally Doable
It may sound surprising, but not every holiday party needs alcohol to be fun. A no-alcohol celebration can still be memorable with the right food and entertainment.
Why it works:
Budget-friendly.
Keeps the focus on conversation, games, and activities.
Inclusive for employees who don’t drink.
Things to consider:
Some guests may miss the “festive” element.
You’ll want to add extra flair with mocktails, a hot cocoa station, or gourmet coffee.
Best fit: Morning or afternoon parties, family-inclusive celebrations, or companies that prioritize inclusivity and wellness. With the right touches, guests won’t even notice the absence of alcohol.
Choosing the Best Option for Your Carmel Company Holiday Party
There’s no single “right” answer; your company culture, budget, and goals should guide the decision. At BASH, we specialize in helping Carmel businesses design holiday parties that feel effortless, personalized, and perfectly suited to your team.
Whether you want a top-shelf open bar, structured ticket system, or alcohol-free event, our flexible approach to beverage service makes it easy to get exactly what you need without the stress.
Plan Your Holiday Party with BASH
Feeling ready to celebrate your team in style this holiday season? Let us help you plan a holiday party that’s festive, fun, and perfectly tailored to your company.
Contact BASH today to book your Carmel holiday party and explore beverage options that fit your vision and budget.
