Dare we say it – it’s nearly that time of year again when things are merry and bright! You know what that means – it’s time for the Christmas parties to begin! In this blog, we’re letting you know how to plan a Christmas party for work.
Christmas parties are a great way for the team to come together at the end of the year. However, it’s important to consider that not all staff members may celebrate Christmas.
How to plan a work Christmas party
Whether you have a small or large team, you can plan a fantastic experience that everyone will enjoy. We’re here to support you with all corporate events.
Mention some ideas to your team
Perhaps you already have some ideas for your Christmas party, or maybe you’re open to suggestions. Either way, it’s a good idea to chat with your team. They can give you insight into some of the activities they might like to do on the Christmas do.
Set a budget
One of the most important jobs is to set a budget for your Christmas party. Christmas parties can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs. The best thing to do is to have a look at some ideas and set a budget for the party. Avoid going over the budget. You can still organise a fantastic party without it costing you the earth.
Suggest some dates
It’s a good idea to suggest dates as early as you can. As we all know, December can get pretty busy! It’s okay if you have to plan the party for November or even another month. Perhaps consider suggesting two or three dates for your team. It may be that not everyone is available on the dates you select, but hopefully, most of the team will be able to attend.
Search for a venue
Once you have selected a date and know your numbers, you can look at some venues. The most suitable venue will depend on the size of your party. For smaller parties, it might be a good idea to hire a room in a venue. Many venues will allow you to decorate the room and have your own music on too – so it’ll be a lovely, personalised experience for you and your team. It’s time to get the festive decorations out!
If you have a larger team of staff, you may need to start looking earlier for venues as they are likely to get booked up quicker. You’ll need to check that the venue can accommodate all of the people in your team.
Organise tasty food for your company Christmas party
Depending on your chosen venue, you may need to organise food and drink. Many places with restaurants and bars will likely offer their own food and drinks. Other locations for smaller parties may allow you to bring your own food if they cannot provide it.
With it being a Christmas party, you may be able to find packages whereby they offer a traditional Christmas dinner with starters and desserts. Depending on the number of people attending, they may offer discounts or better packages.
Be sure to ask about any dietary restrictions and ensure that soft drinks will be available too. Mulled wine can bring the holiday cheer!
Select a Christmas party theme
Of course, a Christmas party needs a Christmas holiday theme! But there are other aspects that you can incorporate into your party. Will you add an elf theme or create your very own winter wonderland?
Your theme should be incorporated into every aspect of your office party, from invites to the dress code. When it comes to an office holiday party, why not consider creating digital invitations when you invite guests to help protect the environment?
We can support you with all corporate event planning, including Christmas parties. Our fantastic reputation and years of experience mean that we have built strong relationships with a range of vendors around the country.
Plan the fun office Christmas party
If you’ve got a bigger team of staff, you will definitely need to make a plan for timings. This will help to keep the party organised and ensure that everything is covered. A plan can be useful even if you have a smaller team.
You might choose to incorporate some team games or a quiz into the night, which is a great way to get everyone involved and promote team building. Consider using the following as prizes: candy canes, sugar cookies and gingerbread men!
Leave some time for guests to settle in and mingle. Then, you’ll want to have the food sorted. Following this, either plan some Christmas party games or encourage everyone to get some dancing shoes on! Perhaps you’ll also organise a Secret Santa gift exchange for all the guests or some other fun activities and holiday season entertainment!
Live music is a great way to encourage interaction at holiday parties. You might also want to hire a photo booth for the perfect office Christmas party!
Planning a Christmas party is a lot of fun, but there are many things to consider. We can support you with the whole party planning process. We have helped with many corporate Christmas parties and love seeing ideas come to life!
Do you need help planning your work Christmas party? Get in touch with our party planners – we can help you with party ideas to create an unforgettable office Christmas party!
