5 Tips For Planning Your Office Christmas Party

If you’re creative, proactive, organised, assertive and brave then this is the challenge for you! If you’re none of the above, yet have still landed the responsibility, don’t panic - we have set out our helpful tips for planning the office Christmas party!

At Careys Manor we organise many events throughout the year and Christmas is no exception. This year we’re hosting two very different Christmas parties at our New Forest Hotel – The Christmas Ball and Party Nights at Le Blaireau. So to put you at ease with the entire planning process here are some of our top tips in organising a night to remember for all (or not if alcohol has anything to do with it!).

1. Establish a date and budget early

Talk to the powers that be and get a budget set, this will help you narrow down the options. It’s also important to get a date set in order to start making enquiries, it is also worth noting that the date will sometimes affect the cost. If the budget is tight could you considered a date in November instead?

2. Source the venue

When looking for your perfect venue ask yourself the following questions first – Do you need overnight accommodation or at least the option? Do you want plenty of entertainment and music? Are you looking for a set menu? Does the venue have easy access to public transport or a taxi service nearby? The answers to these will help you target your search.

3. Make a decision

You’ve been given the job of organising the night so use your own initiative and make decisions. If you like the sound of something, book it as you may loose out to another group. In fact, be decisive along the whole process as it will help keep the planning simple and stress free.

4. Spread the word

Organise in plenty of time as Christmas is a busy period for everyone. Those with children will potentially need to organise childcare, move around other commitments, sort out their outfits and most importantly, it gives you plenty of time to collect the deposits and menu pre-orders if needed.

5. Create excitement

Your colleagues are going to need to know all the information as soon as possible, why not create invitations? Take note of the venue’s theme and use this within your design to create excitement amongst your team. How about using online invitations such as Paperless Post? You can pick from a selection of design, get insistent responses but has the gravitas of a physical invite.

To celebrate your office Christmas party at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa please get in touch with our Events team sales@careysmanor.com / 01590 625204