The annual office Christmas party is the eagerly awaited event of the year for all employees. It is the perfect time for everyone to blow off some steam and talk about things other than work. Whether you revel in the opportunity to lead the party planning committee and plan all things Christmas or you drew the short straw and are now responsible for festive fun; with added pressure from your work peers, planning and organising the party can be a daunting and arduous task.
Here at Manchester Hall we cater for all kinds of Christmas parties and want to make planning hassle free. Check out our key tips on how to organise a Christmas party:
Budget
Depending on what type of company you are, having a realistic budget allows you to plan and determine the size of your party. Whether it’s a pub crawl or an extravagant soiree with countless menus, you will need to account for food and drink, music and entertainment, transport, and the cost to hire the venue. It is also a good idea leave some money aside in the event of unforeseen circumstances and unexpected costs.
Plan in Advance
Depending on your location, it is not uncommon for venues to be booked months in advance. If you plan your Christmas Party too late you will have limited venues to choose from and may have to pay higher prices. To avoid disappointment and benefit from discounted rates, book your venue well in advance, especially if your company has a large number of employees attending. The earlier the better.
Visit the Venue Beforehand
It goes without saying that your Christmas party shouldn’t be held at your office. Although it may be cost-effective option, your employees will enjoy themselves much more through socialising outside the work environment, additionally, it may dampen the festive mood if employees can see the stack of work that’s still on their desk.
No matter what the size of your potential venue, it is important that you visit it prior to the party in order to gauge whether it is a suitable place for your company Christmas party. Ideally you want to find a venue that has great transportation links and relatively close to your workplace so all employees can attend.
Music and entertainment
It wouldn’t be a party without music and entertainment, and getting the music right is key to a great party that people will remember for years to come. If you hire a DJ or create a playlist yourself, a great music set will ensure people let loose and unwind; don’t forget the Christmas classics and try to cater for all music tastes. Our very own Vanitas Bar has some of the UK’s very best DJ’s, live musicians and performers ready to make your Christmas Party an unforgettable experience.
Food and Drink
Once you have estimated how many people you will be catering for, you will need to decide how to feed your fellow employees; would they favor a three-course banquet or a help yourself buffet? You will also need to take into account any special dietary requirements that your employees may have, such as food allergies and vegetarian or vegan diets. Sending an example menu or survey to all staff is an easy way to gather people’s preferences. At Masons Restaurant Bar, one of Manchester’s hidden gems, we offer a wide range of menus which are independently farmed, locally sourced, and creatively prepared, to cater for any kind of office Christmas party.
Category: Blog