Christmas is fast approaching and co-ordinating the Christmas Party can be an intimidating prospect. Time constraints and trying to please everyone is a tough ordeal. Fear not, follow our top tips for last minute planning and you’ll be organised in no time!
The Party is a much anticipated event and the pressure is mounting. Whether you’re looking for a deluxe client cocktail party or impressive company-wide affair, if time is not on your side, consider contacting party planning companies, who can take away the stress so you can focus on the fun stuff! The Admirable Crichton, GSP Events, Atom Events and Event Oracle all have impressive portfolios and extensive event knowledge for guaranteed success!
If you are in need of venue suggestions, The Venue Booker (www.thevenuebooker.co.uk), Square Meal (www.squaremeal.co.uk) and Open Table (formerly Top Table) (www.opentable.co.uk) have comprehensive websites and, in the case of Venue Booker, staff on hand to seek available options. Or if you are a group looking to hire a private space within a buzzy, fun London venue, it’s worth getting in touch with Late Night London (www.latenightlondon.co.uk), whose venues include Jewel, Babble, Ruby Blue, The Zoo Bar.
Selecting a venue where the catering, drinks and entertainment are provided will save you time, however the venues with accredited suppliers will certainly guide you to make the right choice for the size of group and tone of your event. Food stalls are always a great idea to cater for all taste buds – try an Oyster Stall, Asian Fusion Stall, Meat Wagon, Cheese Stall and Cake Pops Stand. As the evening draws on, serve mini ice cream cones or a pick your own sweet shoppe. And for a personal touch, create a ‘company cocktail’ in your corporate colours (Tiffany Blue Cosmopolitan anyone?) to welcome everyone to the festivities.
If budget allows, go to town with décor and create an alpine winter ski lodge; or sparkle with twinkling fairy light canopies and star cloth drapes; or impress with decadent over the top floral displays and lit bars. The list is endless.
Sternberg Clarke are London’s leading entertainment agency and can help with entertainment suggestions from DJs, bands, circus performers, stunt shows, caricaturists and fireworks. Or avoid keeping the neighbours awake with Silent Disco (www.silentarena.co.uk). Tune in the headphones and get ready to party….. silently.
To fuel the fire and send a buzz amongst your clients and/or colleagues, create a fun informative invitation. Paperless Post (www.paperlesspost.com) is a super speedy way of saving the date and inviting guests with smart designs, and a one-click response system.
For a printed option to clients, Honey Tree Publishing have a vast array of designs which can all be created online and, providing you order before 12noon can be delivered by express delivery next day. Perfect!
Hire a photographer (or photo booth) and post real-time instagram and tweets, and be sure to include on your blog, website and social media channels the following day. Engage with your clients post-event to thank them for coming (whilst tucking in a company newsletter offering a discount or loyalty scheme incentive for 2015).
And don’t forget, everyone loves a goody bag. Fill with beautiful handmade luxury chocolates from Chouchoute to devour on the way home!
Article written by Designated PA : Designated PA was created by Jane Braithwaite to take the stress away from busy individuals and business owners. Jane has brought together a team of experienced Executive PA’s who can provide support on a flexible, cost effective basis. The teams’ expertise includes handling general administration including email and diary management through to bookkeeping and travel arrangements. The team also has experts in events, conferences and of course everything to do with Christmas. Our clients breathe a sigh of relief when they hand their “To-do” list over to us! www.designatedpa.com
