Put in the orders for a keg of egg nog and those snazzy corporate gifts! Four out of five companies are planning to spread that holiday cheer with office parties… and not only that, they’re planning to spend more this year.

According to a survey of human resource executives released today by a Chicago-based outplacement consultancy, 79% of companies are planning to host holiday parties this year. Challenger, Gray and Christmas (topically named, but no relation to yours truly, AFAIK) reports that this year’s holiday party plans are in line with last year’s tally, when 80% planned those festive gigs we all know and sometimes avoid.

Corporate profits are up and companies are spending.

Challenger reports that almost one third of the companies surveyed will spend more on their parties than last year, with an average party budget increase of 16%. Scrooge can hardly be found. A mere 6% of firms plan to slash the amount of money spent on their parties.

Get ready to dust off your party hats, pull the plug on the copier, break out the breathalyzer, and lock the supply room. Just don’t forget to call a cab. According to the survey, 60% of employers are planning to provide alcohol… up from 54% last year.

[tags]holiday party, corporate gifts, designated driver, alcohol, breathalyzer[/tags]