B2B with a Twist Publication - Work • Stay • Play October Edition Work • Stay • Play October 2016 Edition | Page 14

B2B - Keeping you in the know

Organising the office
Christmas Party
For those charged with the
job of organising the office
Christmas party it can be
daunting, here are some top tips
to get work festivities right.
Whether someone is an organiser and event planner at heart, a
lover of Christmas or has returned to work late to find they got
stuck with the job of organising the office Christmas party, the
organiser is going to need as much help as possible.
Here’s 15 tips to organise an office Christmas party and get
through the event without a hitch.

1. Start Early
Start as early as possible as there will be waiting time on responses
from guests plus the earlier the start the more chance of securing
the preferred venue and entertainment.

2. Set the Date
At the Christmas party, you’ll want as many employees to show up
as possible. Again, start early and spread the word. Send out a mass
email with some suggested dates and pick the date that fits with
the majority. Make sure it’s a date that fits with the boss.

3. The Budget
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Find out what kind of budget it is and this will set out everything
from the kind of venue to what you can serve. Ask the boss for a
quote and stick to it. If it’s a more formal get together at a fancy
venue then it’s not out of the question to get the employees to
chip in, within reason of course. Just make sure it’s something
everyone can afford.

4. Find a Venue
Again, the earlier find the venue, the better. Every corporate office
will be planning similar Christmas party all at the same time, so
begin early to secure a preferred destination.
Budget will pretty much decide what kind of venue to get, whether
it’s a fancy restaurant, hall or even in the office.

5. The Menu
This part is relatively easy the venue is a restaurant, if not hire a
caterer to plan the menu and know everyone’s dietary needs,
ensuring everyone has something to eat.
For a more formal sit down meal rather than a buffet or cocktail style
event, it’s a good idea to have some kind of seating arrangement.
Mix it up and get people to mingle with others as well as making
them feel comfortable with members of their own team.

6. Alcohol
Some company Christmas parties go entirely without alcohol
these days, ensuring a happy and safe environment, however if
serving alcohol, plan in advance what will be served and how it will
be paid for.
Budget will decide if it’s a free bar or cash only bar. It’s a great idea
and a nice touch to offer taxi vouchers to those drinking to ensure
everyone stays safe.

7. Speeches/Awards
While it’s the annual Christmas party it also marks the end of the
year so it’s a great time to thank employees for their hard work.
Even if only short it’s a good idea to organise with the boss a
thank you speech to make the employees feel appreciated. The
Christmas party is also a good time to give out awards to mark
achievements.

8. Entertainment
Again budget will dictate this, whether its a playlist of everyone’s
favourite Christmas jingles or an entertainer.
This will also speak of the formality of the event. If not hosting