How to plan a Christmas party
Dine this Christmas in baroque beauty at Christ Church Spitalfields
You’re probably thinking that it’s a little too early to be thinking about Christmas, but we know from experience that getting ahead of the game makes all the difference when planning an office Christmas party.
To ensure you have a stress-free and smooth-running Christmas party, we wanted to share with you a few things to consider when planning a Christmas party.
When should I book a work Christmas party?
July is the best time to be booking and starting to plan your work Christmas party. Many event planners will start to book venues to secure the best dates for a Christmas party.
These dates are often in high demand, so the earlier you get an enquiry in, the better chance you have of securing the perfect day to give your colleagues the best time.
What is the best day for a work Christmas party?
Looking to Christmas 2024, there are a few key dates. Wednesday and Thursday are increasingly popular days for Christmas parties. With more people working from home, considering a day earlier in the week when people would be in the office works well.
Dates from the last week of November until the 19th of December are the best time to host your Christmas party.
How to decorate for a Christmas party
Floral designer Elizabeth Marsh says:
“Just because we are florists doesn't mean we only deal with flowers - using Christmas baubles can be a great way to bring colour, fun and decoration without breaking the bank. However, beautiful flowers do create a wow like no other - so we suggest either make the most of the one time of the year when you can go all out for drama - think of those glorious blacks and gold combos - or just relax into a backdrop of pungent vegetation with natural foliage arrangements, Christmas trees perhaps left natural or with a dusting of 'snow' for a more understated, experiential event.”
What food should there be at a work Christmas dinner?
Good food is the secret to a Christmas party being a fun night to remember. For Christmas dinners, it’s all about balance. Many of your guests will have their favourites from the festive season and their own expectations about what should be served.
Matching Christmas classics with some more creative ideas from our catering partners can ensure that your guests get both satisfaction and excitement.
A Christmas feast from arch, a catering partner of Christ Church Spitalfields
What drinks should I have at a Christmas party?
Selecting your drinks for a Christmas celebration will set the tone of the evening. Think about the food you are serving alongside the order of events. Do you want something light and fun to welcome guests? What will pair well with your dinner? What about after the food?
Whether you are hosting a sit-down dinner or drinks reception this Christmas, be sure to communicate clearly with your guests what to expect with drinks. Will there be a cash bar or is it all-inclusive?
The drinks you serve at your Christmas party allow you to change to tone of the evening
How to budget for a Christmas party
Get a conversation in early with your finance team before you start searching for venues and making bookings. Going into the planning process with a clear budget makes everything else easier. Be sure to set aside the budget for big spending categories of venue hire, catering and decor, and don’t forget about production either!
Once you’ve got a clear budget, you can start to make enquiries with a clear idea of what you are prepared to pay.
Work Christmas party activity ideas
There are lots of ways to make your Christmas party stand out. One of these is keeping your guests entertained with some fun activities. But keep it simple.
The purpose is to give your guests something to do as they connect with others and have a good time. A photo booth will always be a popular choice.
If you continue your party in the Crypt, rolling out the dance floor or doing some karaoke can be fun. Having some simple games can work a treat and can also be an opportunity to do something a bit different such as giving it a theme like 70s arcade games.
What music and entertainment should I have at a work Christmas party?
Decide on the atmosphere you want to create. When choosing music and entertainment for a Christmas party, think about your guests and what they will want at each moment.
You might like to curate a playlist with some Christmas hits to get the party going, while something more relaxing often accompanies dinner well. If hosting at Christ Church Spitalfields, booking a DJ or live band to continue the party in the Crypt as the evening goes on is always a great idea.
Dance the night away in the Crypt at Christ Church Spitalfields
FAQs
How to throw an office Christmas party?
To throw an office Christmas party, get a clear budget from your finance team, and book early with a venue to secure the best date. Decide what your vision is so you can start making enquiries about catering, decor and production.
What to consider when planning a Christmas party?
When planning a Christmas party, consider whether you want a sit-down meal or a drinks reception. Also consider, what entertainment there will be, catering options, decor and production needs.
How long should a work Christmas party be?
A work Christmas party usually lasts 4 hours going up to 6 hours if you are having entertainment and drinks in the evening. Christmas parties usually start from 6 pm with many companies deciding to wrap up office hours around 4 pm to give people time to get ready and get to the venue. If you are a party person, you may decide to keep it going as late as midnight. The Crypt space at Christ Church Spitalfields is perfect for this, rolling out the dance floor and keeping the party going until late.
Host your Christmas party at Christ Church Spitalfields
Celebrate the festive season in style with a Christmas celebration among the beauty of Christ Church Spitalfields.
A Christmas drinks reception at Christ Church Spitalfields