It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year once again! Now is a perfect time to start planning your Christmas staff party before dates fill up and you’re left in the local pub again! If it’s your first time planning, where do you start? We’ve put together a list of tips for you to plan the perfect staff Christmas party that will keep them talking until next Christmas – for the right reasons!
Osprey Hotel is a great venue for your Christmas party this year. The addition of our beautiful new ballroom and the fantastic food drink and entertainment options make us a fantastic choice for your team. We cater to Christmas parties of all shapes and sizes, from casual lunch get-togethers to banquet-style dinners. Contact our dedicated events team today to learn more about our Christmas party packages.
Set your Budget
It’s so easy to go overboard at Christmas, especially when you’re trying to impress your team, but your boss won’t thank you when they see a huge bill in January! Meet with your management and finance teams months before the event to decide what the budget is. Make a comprehensive plan, researching lots of locations and suppliers. Consider many different factors in the budget like decor, gifts, food, drink and entertainment. Start with what’s most important for your staff Christmas party and make a list from most to least important. That way, if you run out of money, the most important parts have already been paid for first. Track your spending as you go and contact multiple suppliers for quotes before you commit.
Picking your Date
You want to choose a date for your party that suits your team. Take a look at work schedules and ensure the date does not clash with any deadlines or meetings. The most successful Christmas parties take place on Thursday or Friday nights so your staff can let loose in their own time without eating into their weekends. You might also consider a late start the day after so your team can enjoy a drink. Lots of dates for November and December will be snapped up very quickly so if you haven’t already booked your party, we recommend making enquiries soon. Give your team as much notice as possible of the date so they can plan work schedules and childcare in advance. Remember, you can’t please everyone.
Prepare in Advance
If you’re planning a great party, it won’t happen overnight. Start researching venues, set dates and book vendors well in advance of the big day. You’ll find some of the best venues bands and caterers are already booked from the year before, much like wedding planning! This is even more important if you are ordering decorations, party favours, or materials online. Christmas post is notoriously slow! It might feel like you are being over-eager by booking and ordering early but it’s better than leaving yourself with last-minute stress. Ask for help from more experienced colleagues or family.
Christmas Party Planning
While it’s difficult to plan any kind of party, there is extra pressure at Christmas to plan something extra special. Try to make your event as festive as possible, maybe with the addition of some decorations, Christmas crackers and carols. If you choose Osprey Hotel for your staff Christmas party, our venue comes pre-decorated which takes some of the stress off! If you’re planning a Christmas bonus or gifts from the company, have everything prepared before the big day. If there is a secret Santa, plan to swap gifts at the party to enhance the atmosphere. If you’re planning a pre-dinner activity, how can you make it as festive as possible? Christmas is called the silly season for a reason!
