The holidays are full of joy, celebration, and—let’s be honest—planning pressure. The good news? Holiday party planning doesn’t have to be over-complicated. With the right atmosphere, your seasonal gathering can be just as fun to plan as it is to attend, whether you’re organizing a company gathering, inviting friends for a festive dinner, or hosting family for an end-of-year celebration.
1. Keep it Cozy
Holiday events don’t have to be huge to feel special. Whether you’re inviting 25 coworkers for cocktails or 60 guests for a seated dinner, our Upper Deck space is ideal: cozy, beautiful, and holds up to 100 guests standing, or 70 seated.
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2. Let the Venue Set the Scene
The location can do half the decorating work for you. Choosing a space that already has character helps to create the perfect holiday atmosphere.
The Upper Deck overlooks Lake Geneva, so we let the view do the heavy lifting. Add in some soft lighting, simple greenery, and holiday accents, and the whole space instantly feels festive.
4.Plan a Festive, Flavorful Menu
Whether you envision a plated dinner with chef-curated entrées or a buffet-style feast with signature sides, our culinary team will work with you to design and tailor our menu to your guests and style.
Popular seasonal options include:
- Braised Short Ribs with red wine sauce
- Garlic Chicken with roasted winter vegetables
- Southern Style Buffet with brisket, cornbread, and mac and cheese
- Mix & Mingle packages with passed hors d’oeuvres and carving stations
Dietary needs? We offer a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to ensure everyone feels cared for.
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4. Add a Touch of Cheer with Signature Drinks
Whether you’re after a full-service bar or a few thoughtful drink selections, every great holiday event deserves a signature toast.
Choose from a range of on-site bar packages with our Lake Life Catering services, including beer and wine service, full open bar, or custom cocktails crafted just for your occasion.
Guest-favorite ideas include:
- A cinnamon-spiced Old Fashioned
- Sparkling rosé with sugared cranberries
- Warm mulled wine or spiced cider
- Prosecco served in magnum bottles for a festive toast
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5. Some Simple Structure
Even relaxed events benefit from a little structure. Mapping out the flow of the evening helps avoid awkward pauses and ensures that guests stay engaged.
You’ll receive access to the venue with ample time for custom décor and vendor coordination. Our team can manage logistics, including setup, rentals, staffing, linens, and bar service. We’ll even assist with shuttle or valet arrangements if needed.
A simple evening timeline might look like:
- 6:00 PM – Arrivals and welcome drinks
- 6:30 PM – Appetizers
- 7:00 PM – Dinner or buffet opens
- 8:15 PM – Toast or short speech
- 8:30 PM – Dessert, coffee, and continued mingling
- 10:00 PM – Wind-down
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At the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about perfection. With the right environment, thoughtful touches, and a little preparation, your event can be both beautiful and low-stress—leaving guests with full plates, warm memories, and plenty to toast.
Our Upper Deck offers a cozy atmosphere, views of beautiful Lake Geneva, and fantastic Lake Life service. Ready to toast the holiday season? Start your planning by connecting with our events team—we’ll guide you through every detail, from selecting the perfect menu to finalizing bar packages and décor. Let us help you bring your holiday celebration to life.
→START PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAY EVENT