Register to get 3 free articles
Register to unlock the article and receive our free newsletter. Join 26,000 other hotel leaders and stay in the know.
No spam
Unsubscribe anytime
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
A recent survey has shown that 19% of office workers in London claim to “hate” their work Christmas party. Nonetheless, six out of ten employees always attend. Event organisers are therefore under more pressure than ever to put on the best night possible. In 2013 alone, UK businesses spent more than £250m on organising work Christmas parties. Here, Carlo Boersma, Head of MICE Relations at Edwardian Group London, shares his top five tips on how to organise the best office party this Christmas:
- Ideally you need to book your party venue well in advance to avoid disappointment. However, it’s never too late to find somewhere and sending out invitations as early as possible will still ensure maximum attendance.
- Lots of hotels offer a complimentary bedroom for the Christmas party organiser – make sure you take up this great offer; you’ll be exhausted after organising the party and in need of a well-earned chance to put your feet up!
- Take the time to get to know the hotel Events Manager; they will be your saviour and help with all the unexpected, unusual and last-minute requests. Never be afraid to ask questions: the more you ask the more you can put your mind at rest.
- Know your limits. A free bar may seem like a good idea and of course you want your guests to have a good time; however this can encourage excessive drinking. Make sure you have security hired just in case – nobody wants red faces in the office the next morning.
- Plan, plan, plan. Make sure you think through everything prior to your event – in particular guest lists, themes, table plans and, of course, menu tastings – check lists are key.
