04 December 2019

Updated: August 2024

Christmas Party Planning Tips for your Christmas Do

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to relax and celebrate with loved ones. If you’re having a Christmas do, you want it to go off with a bang. Whether you’re planning a work Christmas party or one for family and friends, these points will help for either situation. We’ve put together our top tips for Christmas party planning so you can have the best party which all of your guests will remember.

Be active when organising a Christmas party

Act quickly

Christmas is an inevitably busy time of year. Guests will already have a lot of prior commitments so try and send your invites out as soon as possible to increase turn out. If you’re hiring a venue and caterers, remember they will be being snapped up as well. The sooner you plan and book things, the more you can relax and enjoy your party. Christmas party dates start from November for a number of venues and for those that are particularly busy over the festive period, a celebratory January party is often an option.

Budget

Like most things, you need to set out a budget. This will determine what you can purchase and how much you can spend on each. Use a spreadsheet to record everything you spend so you can keep track of your spending. This also stops you putting too much of the budget on one aspect.

Depending on your budget, considering a Christmas party venue that offers party packages might be best, they typically include your food and DJ, plus welcome drink. Venues may also offer drinks packages that you can order in advance that could be beneficial for your company depending on your drinks policy and size of your company.

Ask for help

Planning a party can be daunting. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Friends and family (or other employees) will be more than happy to help you cook, decorate and prepare for your party. Let them know as soon as you can in advance so they know what they’re doing.

Alternatively, choose a venue that does it all for you! You’ll just need to organise the numbers for your party, ask for their food choices and know numbers for who will need a bedroom – easy!

Ask your team!

If you aren’t sure what your team would enjoy, ask them! You’ll never be able to make everyone happy but by giving your company a couple of options to vote on, with differing locations, theme options or activities, you can ensure that you choose something your team will enjoy.

Make it a night to remember with these Christmas party essentials

Entertainment

You don’t necessarily have to have some form of entertainment at your party but it can be a nice touch. Live music, games, or even performers are a good headline for your event in between food, dancing and chatting.

Food

It goes without saying that food is vital at a Christmas party. December is the season to let go of diet culture and enjoy some delicious cuisine, so ensure you provide this for your guests. Even if you don’t go for a sit-down meal, a lavish buffet will keep your guests refreshed throughout the evening. Make sure a great food selection is on your Christmas party planning checklist!

Choose a theme

With so many parties around the festive season, it’s a good idea to make yours stand out. Having a theme is a great way to do so. Themes could include:

• Winter Wonderland
• Après Ski
• Ugly Christmas Jumpers
• 90s Theme
• Favourite Christmas Movie

This gives people a chance to dress up if they want to or can just be a decorative theme. Even if you’re not having a strict theme, you should let people know if you want them to come in a specific dress code.

Music

What is a party without music? Create a playlist to keep guests dancing all night. Maybe veer away from Christmas music all night long, as this can become tedious. Instead, fit some festive tunes in-between the usual party tracks for a nice variety. If your party has a theme, don’t forget to tie it in with the music. If you’re worried about the music, why not opt for an organised party that provides a DJ and dancefloor or alternative entertainment?

Christmas Parties at Sedgebrook Hall

If you’re looking for the best venue to have your Christmas party, look no further than Sedgebrook Hall in Northampton, where a warm welcome and unrivalled hospitality await you. With private and joiner Christmas party packages available and excellent drink package offers available, we have comfortable onsite accommodation, delicious carbon-labelled Christmas menus and dishes that meet a range of dietary requirements.