September 28, 2017
by Lettice
Top Tips for Planning a Christmas Party
The days are getting shorter and summer is officially over (insert sad face emoji and comment about how quickly 2017 is flying by!). The good news is, it’s time to start planning your office Christmas party; the night most of us spend the whole working year counting down to.
Some of you may have already started and others may think it’s premature; but any seasoned event planner will tell you that venues and suppliers tend to book up quickly for this time of year and, with the whole office relying on you, this is not something you want to be planning last-minute.
If you’re having trouble knowing where to start, we’ve put together some top tips on how to make sure your party is a hit and a hot topic of conversation over the water cooler for months following…
Standing or sitting reception?
If you are unsure whether a standing reception or sit down dinner is most appropriate, we recommend opting for a standing reception; this offers a more relaxed environment and encourages mingling amongst guests.
However, if you do decide on a sit-down affair, make sure you mix up the seating plan. Don’t group people with the same people they work with every day and make sure the management team are spread across the room. This gives all employees a chance to talk to those with the power to shape their career and an opportunity to make a good impression in a relaxed environment.
The Drink!
It’s easy to get carried away when drinks are supplied but the office Christmas party isn’t necessarily the place you want to have one too many. Make sure you have plenty of non-alcoholic options for your guests and that water is readily available. If you are serving cocktails, try and stick to lower alcohol volume spirits such as Pimms or Baileys.
The Food!
When catering for big crowds, or even small numbers, there is likely to be a number of intolerance’s and special diets you will need to take into consideration. At Lettice, we love to design menus which are not only delicious but are diverse enough to include options everyone can enjoy; we don’t want anyone feeling as though they were an afterthought or are missing out.
The Venue!
Go for a venue with a bit of wow factor, such as a somewhere with a great view or a gallery with an exhibition on; this will give your guests something to talk about that isn’t work. Make sure you choose a venue with an appropriate capacity, you don’t want your guests to feel cramped but also don’t want them so spread out that they don’t mingle.
The Entertainment!
Bands who specialise in covers and like to take requests are a great way to create atmosphere and keep everyone happy. Alternatively, if your budget allows for something a bit extra, why not look at booking a live circus act or street performers?
If you would prefer to leave it to the experts, get in touch with Lettice today…