The next holiday party you attend could spark another reason to celebrate.

If your workplace is having a party, or if you’re attending a neighborhood shindig or annual celebration organized by family or friends, look around and you’ll see the careers that help make this time of year even more merry and bright.

It is a tough season for those who typically are booked with company parties as businesses are throwing less lavish events than in the past. CNN.com recently reported that a Challenger, Gray & Christmas survey found 62% of companies are planning holiday festivities this year, compared to 77 percent in 2008 and 90 percent in 2007.

But that percentage is expected to start rising again as the economy rebounds. Plus, there always are special personal occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays where experts are needed to pull off events, big and small. Here’s a look at some party-related professions:

Catering: The hors d’oeuvres, the decadent desserts, the five-course dinners … whatever the menu, the food must impress the crowd. Caterers plan menus, prepare the dishes and oversee the wait staff, which all are essential to a good party. Completing a catering course could help you as you desire to want to work in a ritzy banquet hall, be part of a catering company’s team or own a culinary business.

Hospitality management and event planning: The majority of companies surveyed by Challenger, Gray & Christmas planned to hold parties offsite, and popular spots are hotel and banquet spaces. By pursuing the field of hospitality management, you could work in areas such as banquet or party planning, food service management, and hospitality sales and marketing.

Cosmetologists and make-up artists: Have you ever gotten your hair, makeup or nails done right before the big holiday party? The professionals who work in spas and salons help make people feel beautiful before special events. Attending cosmetology school and make-up artist programs could place you behind-the-scenes role, allowing you to help folks look their best when arriving at the party.

Entertainment: Everything from ensembles playing festive music to a cool DJ set the tone for an annual event. The basis for being involved in the entertainment industry is raw talent, but you can add to that by choosing schools and programs in the arts, where you’ll learn more about the visual and performing arts as well as how to turn your passion into a business.

So savor that eggnog as you consider potential new careers that could make you part of the party scene all year long.