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2010 has seen many companies, organisations and individuals
delaying their party planning until nearer the festive season due to
the uncertain economic climate. A Christmas party can be the ideal way
of rewarding those who work within your company and a successful event
generates a great ‘buzz’ factor for the forthcoming business year! If
your organisation is one of those who has decided to throw caution to
the wind and celebrate this Christmas, here are some of my top tips for
creating a great Christmas Party!
Budget: Make sure you know what your
budget is for the event and ensure that you allow for some contingency
within the figures. Novelties and table sprinkles can soon add up
especially when you are working with large numbers! Christmas parties
can be tax free when open to all staff up to a value of £150 for each
employee.
Time Management: If you are struggling to find the time to
organise something, there are venue finding companies who will help to
find you the Christmas party venue and negotiate rates on your behalf
without charging your company for their service. It’s a great way to see
the options available on your preferred date and in your area without
wasting time ringing around yourself and checking availability. These
companies will source any type of venue, including restaurants.
Entertainment:
Dancing is a must for the Christmas party and if you have budget
restrictions then a disco is more cost effective than a band. Other
successful ideas are a fun casino, Giant Wii and simulators, a rockaoke
bar, indoor laser clays and archery.
Shared nights: If you are a fairly small
group a shared party may be a better option. There are many hotels,
country houses and other establishments offering Christmas party
packages on shared nights where you can purchase tables of 10 capped for
any one company at 50 guests. If you pick a mid week night you will
often receive better discounts than a Thursday to Saturday.
Deadlines: A ‘save the date’ should be
e-mailed out as soon as possible. Guests’ menu choices should be
returned to you ideally within ten days of the party, so you can send it
to the venue one week prior.
Deposits: If you seek commitment from
staff via a self funded or part self funded party ask them for at least
£10.00 non refundable deposit. £5.00 is too low and will not guarantee
attendance.
Minimum numbers: Make sure you are
realistic with numbers on the night. If you are inviting 100 make sure
you have minimum numbers agreed with the venue at 65. That way if your
party suffers from drop outs or you have to cancel entirely you will
only be liable for agreed minimum numbers.
Christmas drinks package: Many venues offer one reception drink and half a bottle of wine but several now offer up to five hours of beer, wine and soft drinks within their packages and I would highly recommend opting for one of these wherever possible. They negate staff having to put their hands in their pockets at what is already an expensive time of year, or a company having to put a monetary sum behind the bar!
Menu: If you are having a private party
and do not like the menu offered ask to see the banqueting menu. As long
as you only choose a vegetarian menu and a meat or fish menu for the
evening and you know your numbers for each there is no reason why you
need to stick to the ‘turkey’ option!
Focus on getting this right
the first time, take small steps and try not to be too ambitious if
this is your first year of holding a Christmas party. Focus on achieving
a good party, and this will give you an excellent foundation from which
future parties can be arranged.
Top tips on creating a great Christmas Party were provided by Charlie Parsons, Director of Crème Conferences. CPTeam@cremeconferences.co.uk
