eParty.info – Party Guide

Arranging a Christmas party or dinner for work can be a bit of a minefield!  With everyone liking different things, be that from the food and drink and everyone wanting the event to be slightly different, it’s never going to be possible to please everyone.  Through this article I will give some useful tips and advice to make what could be a very awkward and uneventful evening, into something a little more special and appreciated.

Size of the Organisation

For smaller groups more input can be given by staff as to what they want to do.  It’s a good idea to still give plenty of time when arranging the event as it may be needed to change where to go, if someone cannot make it or for dietary reasons.  Larger organisations will definitely need to start arranging it earlier.  Places which can accommodate larger groups will get snapped up quickly around Christmas time.  For larger groups there are companies which specialise in running exclusive events and for smaller organisations it can sometimes be possible to share an event with other businesses.  An exclusive event can be a lot more memorable than some generic meal out, events can be themed (smart or fancy dress), DJs hired, performers (comedians, musicians…maybe even a clown?), etc.  Companies that offer these services can generally provide grouped parties, where a few smaller firms can share an event.  This helps keeps costs down and may allow people to meet other people or at least be in a more fun and social environment.

What to do and Where to go?

There are many options available for work Christmas parties.  For a smaller firm or departments a nice pub lunch or dinner may well be adequate; allowing people a bit of time to relax, have a few drinks and socialise.  Pubs and restaurants may not be able to accommodate larger parties, but most hotel chains will have rooms which they can rent out for larger events.  These generally allow people to select from a choice of foods (3 choices for 3 courses), include a bottle or two of wine per table and allow for other dinner celebrations (DJs, PA systems for awards, etc).

To find a place to go for dinner the internet or local newspapers can be a good starting ground.  Other members of staff will no doubt be able to advise a few nice places (and a few places to avoid).  If you’re in need for a larger facilities then check out the websites for larger hotel chains such as Holiday Inn, Ramada Jarvis and so on, or phone up their events planners to find out when they’ve got availabilities, what they can supply and costs.

For smaller companies a secret Santa could work well, where you buy Christmas Gifts for someone who doesn’t know you’re buying for them.

The costs involved

Arranging a large or small Christmas party isn’t cheap, especially if the whole event is subsided by the organisation.  Many companies will offer some money towards a meal and staff will be expected to pay any additional food and drink costs.  Other times no money will be contributed.  This may be the case for public sector organisations or charities/non-profits.

If staff are expected to pay for some and all there is always a bit of a quiet debate on how the bill should be split up.  It would be unfair to split it if a few people have had bottles of wine, three courses when others have had tap water and only a main course and pudding.  If companies are subsidising Christmas events and people cannot go they may expect to be given a “cash bonus”.  Many companies do not offer a “cash bonus” for people who cannot go which can create sour feelings.

Larger hotel chains may well charge from £30 to £40 a head for their base packages.  Prices at restaurants for Christmas dinners can also start in similar price ranges.  Dinners at other restaurants or pubs  which aren’t exclusively Christmas dinners may well be slightly more expensive than their usual prices so it’s best to get a few menus and price lists so people can see what’s available and what it’ll cost before the night.

Drinking Policy

It may be an important thing for staff to remember is that it is a work Christmas party.  Though it’s meant to be good fun and enjoyable things can’t get out of hand.  We’re all aware that people become a little bit more honest after a few drinks, so if people do or say things to other members of staff that aren’t appropriate, it could ruin the night as well as causing an awkward working environment when back in the office.  Companies should also be careful as many people will drive to the event but shouldn’t drive back.  You can buy breath testers quite cheaply so allowing people to check they’re still within the legal limits could be a good idea.  Another thing to do would be to put a few taxi phone numbers on the invitation or limit parking places.

Guest Policy

People may well want to bring Girlfriends and Boyfriends, Husbands and Wives so other people may need to be accommodated for.  As it’s a work Christmas event only allowing staff is definitely acceptable but allowing guests is something that should be thought over.

What to do next?

Start by finding out what sort of things people would like to do and any suggestions for places to eat or to do any of the events people have suggested (a game of bowling can be really good fun and much more affordable than a Christmas dinner).  Look on the internet, yellow pages and local newspapers and directories for places to go.  Float some of your ideas past other members of staff to make sure you’re going in the right direction and that people would be interested in going.

Get some bookings and find out who can go when, book the best option once people have signed up.  You may need to be active and persuasive to get people to complete forms quickly.

Make sure people are aware of the plan well in advance and let them know all the details.  A few posters and emails should be done as a minimum.

Most importantly have a fantastic time; leave a comment with any advice or questions you’ve got (along with how the event went!)

Finding Christmas gifts for men can sometime be difficult and stressful. Men have different tastes and desires and you need to cater for different age groups. Don’t walk around town or spend hours on the internet. We have gifts for men that will please them all.

Mens Shirts – Find the best shops for buying mens shirts.