A few tips to make your Christmas Party a Success

Even in ‘difficult times’, the firm’s Christmas party can be one of the highlights in the annual calendar.  It’s an excellent way for the company to say “Thank You” to the staff for all the hard work they put in over the year, and a great way for the staff to develop team spirit and bond with colleagues.

But the Christmas ‘do’ can be a daunting task for the person who has the task of arranging it, What format should it take and where should they hold it? Everyone looks forward to the Christmas party and it should be a night to remember, but is it drinks and a buffet in the office, a visit to somewhere different like the theatre or a traditional party?  Is there such a thing as the ideal Christmas party?

With apologies to Franklin Roosevelt, you can’t please all of the people all of the time, so for larger companies, with a diverse range of staff, there is no perfect solution. Young people may go for a lively disco, while more senior members may prefer a quiet social dinner with background music. If spouses are included, they should also be able to relax and enjoy themselves without work being the dominant subject of the evening.

One way to make a real difference is to make sure there is ‘entertainment’. It gets staff away from ‘talking shop’ and it takes the pressure off spouses, especially if they are shy and find it difficult to interact with strangers.

We’ve been running Christmas functions at Chartridge, Hitchin Priory, The Node, Lydiard House and The Beeches for many years, and we know the key elements of a memorable Christmas party are a welcoming atmosphere, good food, good wine and good entertainment, so here’s a few hints and tips to help organisers when they are planning the firm’s annual soiree.

Firstly find out the average age of your guests.  Don’t even think about booking a Rapper DJ if your guests are over 50 because they will probably make a bee line for the door as soon as they’ve finished the meal.  Take a straw poll among staff, and give them a few options. Remember it’s for their benefit so by getting their feedback you will please most of them.  If partners are included, don’t forget to get their view as well so everybody is included.

What are the numbers likely to be? If it’s a large group of over 100, then an exclusive venue would probably be the best option.  If you are a small company, then a well established venue will provide a package so you can join others and get the ‘big party’ atmosphere but at a realistic price.

Budget plays a part, so there’s no point in booking a live band if the budget is only £50 per head.  There is a bonus as Revenue and Customs allows the company to contribute up to £150 per employee (and their partner) towards the cost of the company Christmas party. This expense is tax deductable and there is no benefit in kind liability to the employee. Even if the company can’t contribute the full allowance, the extra 21% helps the finance director enhance the budget.

Finding the venue, booking the entertainment, selecting the menu, collating numbers, sourcing and ordering gifts can take a huge amount of time, especially if you’re a busy PA. One option is to outsource the organisation. There are agencies that specialise in arranging parties, but there is a cost which may not make it the best choice for smaller parties.  Another approach is to use an experienced organisation like Chartridge Conference Company, where our venues will organise the party for you and make sure it all goes smoothly. We have all the facilities available and will manage the whole event from decorating the room to selecting the menu and booking the entertainment. It means you can benefit from our experience, so whether you’re a large group with an exclusive party or a ‘party within a party’ you can just turn up, have fun and enjoy a memorable evening.

But a few words of warning for staff at the Christmas party. Alcohol usually flows when people are letting their hair down, and overdoing it can have dire consequences. It may not be the office, but the Christmas party is still an extension of the work situation.  Apart from the inevitable hangover, lowered inhibitions can lead to behavior that isn’t appropriate at work. Too much drink also tends to loosen the tongue, and it’s not unknown for things to be said which will be regretted the next day, especially if it’s not very complimentary and to your boss!  So if you value your job and your career, relax and enjoy, but in moderation.

A successful Christmas party shows the company values its staff and really does build loyalty within your team, so plan well ahead, just enjoy the experience and look forward to a successful 2012.

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