The Perfect Christmas Party: 7 Ideas for Your Christmas Party Wish

An article on Realbusiness.co.uk says that a company’s Christmas party should not be viewed simply as a party, it should be looked at as a way to thank your staff, and a way to cement good relations between staff and employers. They also say that it is never too early to plan your party and that the longer you allow for preparations, the more successful the party will be. With that in mind, here are a few pointers on how to get the best out of your Christmas party this year.

The Basics

There are a few basics that you will need to think about for your party, so get these organised as soon as you can. Offer a few separate dates for your party and get your staff to vote on the best one. You need to find a suitable venue if your company doesn’t have suitable space, and you need to set a budget. You should set aside an affordable amount, but ask your staff if they would like to contribute to the party to make it extra special. Ask if loved ones and friends would like to come too, but if so, you will need to ask them to contribute to the event.

Style/Theme

A great way to add some fun is to use a style or theme (click here for some ideas that could be perfect), and is often a way to indulge in the option of food and drink a little out of the ordinary. Dressing up or wearing a mask usually brings people out of their shells; especially when they assume a new identity.

Food

Not everybody will enjoy the same food, so allow for different choices. You also need to decide if you want to have a sit down affair or a buffet. Sit down dinners will restrict the choice of food, but will allow speeches if they are necessary. However, a buffet is the perfect way for guests, staff, and employers to mingle and bond with each other. A buffet will also give you the chance to widen the choice of food. I feel it is better to have these parties catered unless there is a small number of staff as it is unfair to have party-goers cleaning up afterwards

Drink

Variety is the spice, of life, so have a wide selection of drinks available; and don’t forget that many people may be driving or prefer not to drink. For these, it is a great idea to have a selection of fruit punches, or exotic non-alcohol alternatives. If your business has a large number of employees, the drinks bill can skyrocket, so set a budget and have a bar available for those that want to drink more at their own expense.

Music

Whether you employ a band or DJ, use somebody that has been referred or that you have experience of. The music will set the tone for the party as people start to unwind, and is the backdrop to conversation. Try to accommodate all ages of your workforce, but, as a rule, the music should be toned down to allow talk, so have a separate area where people can dance.

Speeches/prizes

Not always necessary, but a good idea to reward employees that performed particularly well or are about to leave the company.

Security

You may not feel security is necessary, but it is better to avoid a problem than have a party ruined (and maybe a career) because of inappropriate behaviour. Also, you could find uninvited people forcing their way in. You can obtain advice from companies like www.ukguarding.com who will help you keep the party fun without unnecessary disturbances.

If you use these pointers to plan your Christmas bash, I’m sure that it will be one to remember. Enjoy the party.