How to Plan a Perfect Work Christmas Party: A Checklist
Christmas is just around the corner, and as we gear up for the festive season every company will task one lucky person with throwing the office Christmas Party. Whether you want to celebrate the end of the year, reward your staff for their hard work, or just have a good time with your colleagues, planning a Christmas party can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, we have got you covered with this handy checklist that will help you plan your perfect North East Christmas party.
Budgeting
The first thing you need to do is to set a budget for your party as this will help you decide on the venue, catering, decor, entertainment, and other aspects. You can use a spreadsheet to make sure you don’t overspend and remember to include some contingency funds for any unexpected costs or emergencies.
Venue
The next thing you need to do is to choose a venue. You need to consider the number of guests, the location and any accessibility needs, as well as the theme and vibe. You also need to book your venue well in advance to avoid disappointment. Here are some of the venues we work with and do amazing Christmas parties:
Biscuit Factory: A unique and creative space that can host up to 300 guests. You can choose from different venue spaces and packages to suit your needs and budget.
Secret Tower: A historic and atmospheric venue that can host up to 50 guests. You can enjoy stunning views of the city and the river from the rooftop terrace and the medieval banquet hall.
Banyan Newcastle: A stylish and modern venue that can host up to 100 guests. You can enjoy delicious food and drinks from their extensive menu and even partake in a cocktail masterclass for a more interactive experience.
Crowne Plaza: A luxurious and elegant venue that can host up to 300 guests. You can enjoy a festive buffet or a sit-down dinner, add a DJ and a dance floor and spend the night dancing away to your favourite songs.
Invitations
Once you have chosen your venue, you need to invite your guests! You can do this via email, social media or online platforms to send out your invitations. Or if you are feeling old school, design a printable invitation and hand them out around the office. Canva is a great place to get templates and designs if you are looking to spruce up your invitations.
Details that are essential to include are the date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP. You also need to ask your guests about any dietary requirements or allergies they might have and don't forget to share this with your catering prior to the event.
Catering
One of the most important aspects of your party is the food and drinks!
You need to decide what kind of catering you want for your party, whether it is a buffet, a sit-down dinner or a finger food option. You also need to decide what kind of cuisine you want, whether it is traditional or something a bit different. If you are bored of pigs in blankets and brussel sprouts, why not try something different like a pizza or burger van?
Alternatively, if you want to keep it simple we can provide both Popcorn and Candy floss to give the team a treat while keeping things light and informal.
Decor
Another important aspect of your party is the decor, you need to transform your venue into a Christmas wonderland to make it an extra special night. You can use lights, candles, garlands and festive table decorations to create a cosy and festive atmosphere. Want to add some sparkle and glamour to your party, why not try:
Shimmer Wall: A stunning backdrop that can create a dazzling effect for your photos and videos.
Christmas Neon: A bright and colourful sign that can add some fun and flair to your party.
We have a lot more decor options to choose from, such as Light Up Letters, Neon Signs, Flower Walls, Faux Trees, Festoon Lighting, and so much more to add that extra flair. Check out our decor and styling page to see our full range of products and services here.
Entertainment
Last but certainly not least, you need to check entertainment off your party list! You need to decide what kind of entertainment you want for your party. Hiring a DJ, or a band is always a good start, but if you want to think outside the box, what about a comedian, or a magician? Here are our top recommendations to keep your guests entertained all night long.
Christmas Props: A collection of festive hats, glasses, masks, and other accessories that your guests can wear and have fun with will go a long way to bringing that festive spirit.
Photo Booth / Selfie Pod: Capture your guests’ throughout the night and let them take full advantage of their Christmas props. An advantage of having a photobooth as well as a photographer is the instant print out so staff have a keepsake to remember the night, Photo Booths also tend to be relaxed and funny photos than the ones your photographer will capture.
Music: A DJ is the best way to keep the music and energy going all night. Providing a playlist of your favourite songs can help the DJ create the right mood and atmosphere for your party and if you're not sure what music staff will want you can send out an email and ask each guests to request a song; this way everyone will get at least one song they like played during the night.
Arcade Games: A selection of interactive games that can encourage socialising and team building among your guests. Have you thought about getting Racing Simulators to add a bit of friendly competition to the evening with our leaderboard!
Awards: A ceremony that can celebrate your staff’s achievements throughout the year can mean a lot to a team reminding them how valued they are and recognising achievements. Want to make your awards celebration even more engaging? Our Cold Spark Fountains add that extra touch of celebration whilst winners are collecting their awards!
At AG Events we have a lot more entertainment options to choose from, such as 360 video booths, arcade games, Roll & Bowl, Racing Simulators and much more. If you would like to find out more go see our full range of products and services on our website.
Trust Us, We've Done This Before
You’re in good company, see the companies below who we’ve helped to organise their Christmas Parties!
YOU DID IT! You have reached the end of this checklist, and you should be ready to throw the perfect work Christmas party.
We hope you have found this guide helpful and informative, but if you need any more assistance or advice, please feel free to contact us at agevents.co.uk. We are always happy to help you plan and execute your events, whether it is a Christmas party, wedding, a birthday celebration, or anything else you have in mind. We have a wide range of products and services to suit your needs and budget and we guarantee a professional and personalised service.
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas party and a very merry Christmas.
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