Common gifts that employees take home with them after corporate dinners are stationary or a shield that has the company name printed on them. This is usually just another thing that goes up in the shelf or on the work desk. 
Since all employees get the same thing, there is nothing special or personalized about such gifts.
Consider your employees’ point of view in such matters. Giving them a gift which speaks volumes of how thoughtful the company is towards them. The gifts do not have to be very expensive but something that will be cherished. Something that can only be given to the team. Consider giving them time-off on a work day. Imagine how memorable that would be. Or look into gift cards for dinners at good restaurants. These gifts inculcate value in your relationship with the team.
Keep Everyone on their Toes
Instead of talking about the milestones and achievements of the company, talk more about the people who made it possible – the employees. Keep the limelight on the teams instead of the company and what it hopes to accomplish in the years to come. 
Limit the number of speakers and ensure that the speakers focus on the teams too.
The speech should be light, fun and encouraging at the same time. Honour the achievers who made the company success possible, speak a little about the value of work family and then hand over the mic to the entertainer. Have live music or karaoke to make it memorable. Having a stand-up comedian never goes out of style either. The restaurant you choose for your event will help you there. The space and facilities that they provide will give you a fair idea about what to choose as the form of entertainment.
Consider Venues Built for Other Purposes
When you are looking for a venue, do not consider only those locations that host corporate events. Wedding and party locations are great for corporate dinners too. Since these venues have everything to cater to a bigger crowd with constant changes in menus. Make sure you visit such locations so you know exactly what you will be getting on the day of the event.
Another great way of understanding the venue is by looking at the reviews of the place. You can always find reviews and feedback of the venue on their website. Although, websites only show positive reviews. You may have to search other platforms where reviews and feedback are given by the general public. These reviews are unbiased and genuine.
Choosing a Restaurant
Before you decide to close a deal with a restaurant for the corporate event, make sure to visit the place beforehand. Looking at photos online cannot have the same impact as actually visiting it. Look for a restaurant that has ample space between the tables. If the tables are close together, it will be very noisy.
The best way to create a private space is by booking the roof top of the restaurant if it has any. It can provide all the privacy for your team and everyone can have a great time together. The ambiance of an open venue is always favourable as compared to a closed venue. The décor will be taken care of by the restaurant staff. Finally comes the budget. The most important thing to consider is the budget. Make sure that you have a flexible budget and enough to throw a great dinner. For some, good food stands out. Others do not really care about what they eat. As long as they are having a good time with their team outside the work place.
Stay Focused and Organized
Once you have decided where you want to host the dinner, it is time to decide on the menu. It is best if you take everything one step at a time. Make sure that you understand the preferences of your team when it comes to food. Some may prefer certain type of diet and those who do not drink alcohol, there should be other options available to them. Same goes for individuals who only eat halal food and those who are vegetarian.
Once you have all this in place, it is time to lock the date and send out the invites. Make sure to put in a RSVP so you have a fair idea about who will be coming and who won’t. This ensures your event’s success. Planning of a big corporate event should start at least two months prior and invitations should be sent at least three weeks before. This will give everyone enough time to plan their day and take care of work accordingly.