Top five tips to ensure your company Christmas party is a cracker

For 72% of British companies, the office Christmas party is a non-negotiable, taking place without fail each year. And it’s easy to see why when a well-planned festive celebration can work wonders for the team, breaking down barriers and building bonds, whilst simultaneously boosting productivity and morale. Indeed, when employers go the extra mile to create a memorable experience, it shows they care – something that resonates deeply with employees across all industries and levels. In fact, over 60% of businesses are willing to spend over £150 per head on their Christmas party for this very reason –a figure that climbs to an average of £170 in London - proving that this once-in-a-twelve-month event is really worth the effort for all those involved.

But how exactly can team leaders ensure their Christmas parties become a ten out of ten, memorable event that will continue to shape team spirit well into the next 12 months? The key lies in forward planning – and with the big day now just three months away, it’s time to lock down the finer details. Oh, and it’s perfectly ok to ask for assistance – even Santa needs a little help.

1. Get planning in advance

Timing is everything when it comes to the perfect Christmas party, especially when trying to secure a sought-after venue! With limited availability during the corporate festive season, competition is fierce, so it’s important to start looking into things early, even when you’ve barely hit the autumn mood, to avoid disappointment and ensure your party is picture perfect for winter.

It’s also a good idea to set deadlines in your diary even once the location is secured to ensure all the details are taken care of without stressing last minute: chasing up anything from attendance to allergens is the last thing you want to be doing at Christmas.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Given that 77% of business leaders feel the annual Christmas do is the most important work event of the year, it’s surprising that more companies don’t seek external help with planning. Whilst 40% of senior leaders opt to outsource the entire process to avoid stress – and 29% will seek some kind of external support – 28% still attempt to manage all aspects of the festive celebrations themselves. Nevertheless, this can leave certain aspects lacking when there’s also stressful workloads and a busy task calendar to attend to, which is why enlisting professional assistance can help. This doesn’t have to mean giving up complete control either. It simply means putting in the groundwork to secure a high-quality venue, then speaking to the team about your specific company needs and allowing them to take care of the rest. Remember, successful events are all in the detail, so you don’t want to leave anything to chance.

3. Secure the perfect location

Location isn’t just about the venue, either; it’s about setting the right tone for the event.

A well-chosen location can enhance the atmosphere of your party, which 24% of businesses feel is crucial for employee enjoyment. Capture the Christmas magic by choosing somewhere that exudes festive charm through everything from the table settings to the lighting and you’ll be ready to enter into the festive spirit of the season.

4. Think about music and entertainment

No Christmas party is complete without the right entertainment to keep everyone in high spirits. Whether it’s a live band or DJ, or even some festive games, entertainment plays a pivotal role in ensuring everyone has a good time. The important thing is to ensure that, whatever you plan, it’s right for your team, determining whether people would prefer to catch up and mingle, get up on the dance floor or see a show that leaves them wowed.

Given that many leaders felt their last Christmas party could have benefitted from more things to see and do, this is an area well worth focussing on, perhaps discussing things like licenses and stage space with your chosen venue. You’ll want to work with your chosen location to ensure your entertainment fits, perhaps opting for a photopod with a Gif maker over a full-size photobooth if you’re limited on space, for example. All the fun without the decorating hassle – plus, it’s much less of a hazard once people have enjoyed a tipple!

5. Focus on food and drink

Finally, good food and drink are key to any great Christmas party. It would be impossible to eat, drink and be merry without them, which is why 26% of business leaders feel a well-curated menu and full bar are must haves. Opting for a few signature alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is often best for a memorable event, especially as it’s easier to keep things fully stocked to ensure nobody is left waiting. All-inclusive drinks packages are great on this front, too, leaving people free to have a good time without worrying about what they’re spending. It’s a small gesture but leaves people feeling like a VIP – adding an exclusive touch to your employees’ experience that they will continue to appreciate throughout the rest of the year.

Working with caterers who understand the importance of both quality and variety is likewise key for this reason, whether hiring them directly or contracting catering services through your venue. Ensure you account for all dietary needs and preferences, asking everyone to order well in advance to make the most of your festive feast. And don’t be afraid to be bold. A well-prepared dish made of duck or tofu often goes down much better than a dry plate of Turkey, adding that sought-after memorable touch. After all, nothing says Christmas quite like sharing a delicious meal and raising a toast to your favourite colleagues.

An investment into the new year

By following these tips, leaders can ensure their Christmas parties are not just another tired business event on the calendar but a memorable occasion that strengthens team relationships and leaves everyone feeling valued, appreciated and in a good mood. In the end, a well-planned party is more than just a good time; it’s an investment in your team’s happiness and your businesses’ prosperity for the year to come.

Looking to make your corporate Christmas party a night to remember? The Camm & Hooper team are here to help.
Contact us today on: +44 (0)20 3763 7429