It's mid-July as this is being written, but soon enough we'll be right in the middle of the Christmas party high season, which is already getting booked up. For most, the company's festive gathering before the holidays is just fun. But for some, the worry of knowing who to talk to or what behavior to accept can create stress before the party. 

Here are seven tips to make this year's Christmas party safer and more fun for both you and your colleagues.

1. Talk about something other than work
Break the pattern and talk about something other than what you do day-to-day. After all, the Christmas party is a social occasion where the focus should be exactly that. Not sure what to say? Ask questions! Most people love talking about themselves.

2. Dare to broaden your horizons
Don't just talk to colleagues you already know. Chat with everyone a bit. It's nice to get to know new people, and it also doesn't hurt to have good relationships with colleagues in departments you don't usually work with.

3. Skip the negative talk
Avoid gossiping, complaining about your boss, or whining about a difficult client. If someone is still gossiping, ask them to take it up with the person involved and say, 'This sounds important, but it doesn't really concern me. I would have talked to XX about it instead.'

4. Address inappropriate jokes and comments
If you're subjected to inappropriate comments or jokes, or see someone else being subjected to them, it's important to speak up, even if it feels difficult. One way to do this without being rude is to address the behavior while still respecting the person. For example: 'When you say that, it sounds sexist, and that feels strange because you're not sexist. You'd benefit from not making such jokes in the future.'

5. Take a break from your phone
Give your attention to the people around you instead of your smartphone. Be present and get to know the others at the Christmas party, rather than just documenting it. And if you plan to post anything on social media, wait until after the event and ask for approval from those in the pictures.

6. If you're a boss – be a role model!
As a boss, remember that your employees look to you to see how they should behave. This applies both to your own conduct and the behavior you accept from others. If you know someone is at risk of behaving inappropriately, have a quick chat with them before the party.

And finally, don't forget to have fun!

At Marholmen, you can book a Christmas party in your own historic venue for 30-80 people. Contact us for our Christmas party packages.

A big thank you to the rhetoric agency Snacka Snyggt for tips 2-7, which were first published in an article in Svenska Möten's magazine in autumn 2019.

Are you looking for the perfect place for your next conference or kick-off? Are you searching for a destination that combines natural beauty, comfort, and opportunities for productive meetings? Then look no further than Marholmen – a gem in the Roslagen archipelago, just an hour away from Stockholm and Arlanda Airport.

An inspiring and secluded environment

One of the biggest perks of picking Marholmen for your next corporate event is its inspiring and secluded setting. Here at Marholmen, you get to escape the city's hustle and bustle and instead soak in the peace and beauty of the surrounding nature. Our 34-hectare island offers a perfect mix of greenery and water, creating a calm and relaxing vibe that's just right for boosting creativity and focused meetings.

Diverse meeting environments

Marholmen offers a variety of conference rooms that can be customized to your specific needs and wishes. Whether you're planning a smaller meeting in one of the historic villas or a larger conference in the spacious Skeppet venue, there are options that will suit your group perfectly. You can also choose to rent the entire island to create an exclusive and tailor-made experience for your company.

Accommodation for all needs

At Marholmen, we have accommodation options that suit all guests' preferences and needs. Whether it's a comfy hotel room with its own terrace or balcony, a charming archipelago cottage, or a distinctive villa, there's something for everyone. For those looking for a unique experience, Marholmen also offers glamping tents on Rackaren island during the summer months, plus pitches with electricity for those bringing their own accommodation all year round.

Tailored activities and teambuilding

At Marholmen, we have an experienced activity team that can help create tailor-made activities and team-building exercises to strengthen collaboration and team spirit within your company. Whether it's outdoor activities that challenge participants or more relaxed ones that promote team-building, there are opportunities to create memorable experiences that strengthen bonds between colleagues and boost engagement.

Close to Stockholm and Arlanda Airport

Another great thing about choosing Marholmen is how close it is to Stockholm and Arlanda Airport. Being just an hour away from the capital and the airport makes it super easy for participants to get here and back. This saves time and keeps travel to a minimum, so your conference or kickoff can start smoothly and efficiently.

Summary

Marholmen isn't just a beautiful and secluded spot in the Roslagen archipelago, it's also a perfect destination for conferences and kick-offs. With its inspiring surroundings, diverse meeting spaces, comfy accommodation, tailor-made activities, and proximity to Stockholm and Arlanda Airport, Marholmen offers a complete experience for companies looking for a place where productivity and relaxation can be perfectly combined.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I book a conference or kickoff at Marholmen? To book a conference or kickoff at Marholmen and get help to plan and customize the event based on your needs, please contact the booking department by phone +46 (0) 771 16 17 00 or e-mail bokning@marholmen.se.
2. Is it possible to rent the entire island for a corporate event? Yes, you can rent the entire island for your corporate event. This gives you exclusive access to all areas, venues, and accommodations on Marholmen.
3. What types of activities can be arranged for team building? Marholmen offers a variety of activities for team building, including outdoor activities like boat orienteering, canoeing, team challenges such as Marholmen's Champion, spa, Bath and sauna experiences, and much more. Their activity team can work with you to create a customized experience that fits your needs and goals.

Marholmen is changing its logo and launching a new website. At the same time, all the island's signs are being replaced with a new, consistent design and feel.

– The very first time I came to Marholmen, I saw the potential to develop the brand to do justice to this beautiful island and its wonderful history. Now it's so exciting to see everything coming together into a cohesive whole that truly reflects the feeling here at Marholmen, says Bibi Rydbacken, Marketing Manager at Marholmen.

Our new brand is part of a bigger plan to develop the island and really put Marholmen on the map as a year-round destination. This project also includes lots of other physical improvements on the island to refresh Marholmen's concept and attract new guests. We've partnered with architectural firm Krook & Tjäder and Tinktur to develop the concept and brand.

Marholmen's website launches on April 12th, and the entire brand change will be complete before April ends.