If you're dreaming of throwing an out-of-the-box holiday party this year, now is the time to start planning. The holidays might seem far away, but they have a tendency to sneak up on us, especially those who are tasked with organizing their company's holiday bash. Planning ahead and securing things like a venue, food and drink, and entertainment months in advance will save every party organizer the stress that comes with trying to throw a shindig together at the last minute.

Mike Oboikovitz, general manager of GSH Casino Parties, suggests setting the plans in motion for your holiday party three to six months in advance. Many venues can host only one party per night and the earlier you book, the better chance you have of hosting the event you want in the place of your choosing. Country clubs, hotel ballrooms, and banquet halls are all great places to set up a casino-themed event, but if you find yourself short on options, Oboikovitz said VFW halls, school gyms and car dealerships rent their spaces and are great alternatives.

"Book your venue first, then your entertainment," said Oboikovitz. "If you book with five months to spare there are no last-minute headaches."

Today, the traditional holiday party consisting of dinner and a cocktail hour for mingling is no longer the norm. Adding interactive elements like casino games is the new trend that's gaining in popularity.

Last year, GSH worked with Fuchs Lubricants to throw a casino-themed holiday party at Glenwoodie Golf Club in Glenwood, Illinois, that was a celebration to be remembered. They divided the room into two sections -- one side for casino games, the other side for dinner tables. The 200 guests were given $500 worth of chips and played Craps, Blackjack and Roulette for three hours before sitting down to eat dinner while company awards and casino night prizes were doled out and speeches were given.

While casino parties can be used as team-building events where employees have to strategize to win prizes or used in sales trainings, Oboikovitz stresses that a holiday casino party should be centered on employees being able to relax, have a good time and just play the games, no strings attached.

"Make it as fun as possible," said Oboikovitz, who's seen clients throw James Bond, Monte Carlo or ugly Christmas sweater-themed events to up the entertainment factor.

Casino parties are a great way to make an evening memorable for guests, but booking a company like GSH makes party planning less stressful and overall enjoyable for event organizers as well. Once they book GSH, Oboikovitz and GSH owner, Girard Hendelman, handle the rest regarding entertainment from creating a proposal that meets the company's needs to setting up for the event to breaking down the game tables once the party is over.

"GSH did everything for us, so we actually got to enjoy our party last year," said Lisa Moore, executive assistant at Fuchs Lubricants. "We've already rebooked them for our holiday party this December."

To book GSH Casino Parties for your next event visit www.gshcasinoparties.com.