1. Always consider your objectives and your decisions will be made easier. What is it you want to get out of the party? Is it to reward and motivate your staff? To entertain your clients? Or to just have a good old knees up with friends?
2. Be realistic about your budget. With the purse strings a little tighter at this time of year it is better to be clear at the start of your planning on what budget you can realistically afford. This will stop you having that ‘look what you could’ve won feeling’.
3. Select and book your venue as early as possible. Christmas is an extremely busy period and you may find that venues as well as entertainment books up pretty quickly. Book early to avoid disappoint.
4. For maximum impact and wow factor choose a theme. Whether that’s going for some warmer colours or choosing a winter wonderland or enchanted forest look, it will ensure that guests get right into the festive mood.
5. Set the tone with some themed invitations. Why not set up a RSVP website and leave all the admin to someone else? We find that the replies, dietary requirements gathering etc. is the most time consuming job when it comes to organising a Christmas party, so by making it as simplistic as possible it ensures your time can be spent on other things. A teaser campaign can really get your guests exited about what might be in store for them.
6. Ask the venue/caterer for a menu tasting before the event. There is nothing more disappointing than a menu or buffet which fails to live up to expectations, which is why a taste test is so important. To save time, you could combine this with a table decor viewing ensuring the linen, table centres, chairs and props are to your liking and you get a real feel of what the event will look like before you turn up.
7. Go for the unexpected. Don’t be afraid to try entertainment which is new and upcoming rather than choosing a band which has been doing the rounds for years. Get good advice on who to book, there are often show cases which you can attend to try before you buy.
8. Don’t scrimp on a photographer. Once the hard work is over the photos will let the event live on for longer and be a great reference point. A bad photographer will leave only (sometimes hazy) memories of a Christmas party night.
9. Ensure you leave enough time for you. Ensuring that you look party ready is just as important as the party itself, so why not recruit an extra pair of hands to do some of the last minute party preening, leaving you with time to look after yourself?
10. ENJOY YOURSELF. That’s what Christmas parties are all about – celebrating with your workmates after a busy and hopefully successful year. So make sure you let your hair down and enjoy the fruits of your hard work.
Roselle Events which has offices in Aberdeen and Edinburgh has a decade of experience in working with a range of blue chip clients organising events which includes conferences, incentive and recognition days, award dinners, dinner dances and product launches.
Most recently the firm sponsored and organised Harvey Nichols’ tenth birthday party in Edinburgh.
It also provides innovative event solutions in the UK & worldwide with event theming, event branding and registration website solutions on a separate basis.
Roselle’s sister company Thirty Eleven Seventy creates extravagantly themed parties for important occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and retirements.
