You know your employees expect a holiday party every year. But in this day and age employers do have to exercise a little caution when planning them. A few tips:

* Choose your venue carefully. A private room is probably a better choice than a large table at a restaurant, if only to make sure your company does not end up paying for food and drink for people who do not even work for them (seriously, it happens)

* Avoid any religious themes unless you are 100% certain that everyone invited (including spouses if allowed) practice the same religion. Since that is almost impossible to be sure about just keep everything neutral and "holiday" themed.

* Keep any entertainment you lay on strictly G rated. Strippers and belly dancers are for bachelor parties, not office parties.

* Make sure there is a wide variety of food choices. Leaving the vegetarians gnawing at their napkins while everyone else cuts into a big juicy steak is just not fair.

* Monitor alcohol consumption carefully, or don't serve it all. Your company can be held liable if an employee leaving your party over the limit and gets into trouble with the law.

* Invite spouses and partners if budget allows. Excluding them leads to arguments in many households, so your employees will thank you for it.

* Use the occasion to encourage everyone to be a little charitable. Instead of exchanging gifts amongst themselves ask employees to bring a toy to donate to a children's charity or non perishable foods for the local food pantry.