5 top tips for planning the perfect Christmas party!
As the autumn leaves start to fall and we dust off our wellies and knitwear, it means one thing and one thing only - Christmas is just around the corner and you’re in luck! Dinner Ladies Head of Events, Zoe has put together her ultimate guide to throwing the perfect Christmas soiree for friends or colleagues. If you’d like to ensure everything goes off without a hitch, read on…
Our ‘Ice Ice Baby’ Winter food station in situ at Protein Studios.
STEP 1: Settle on a date and secure your venue early
First and foremost, select a date that accommodates everyone's busy holiday schedules. With the festive season buzzing, early planning is key! Depending on how many guests you’re expecting, opt for a venue that can comfortably accommodate your party plans, be it a dance floor or space for quirky games (ever considered a mechanical bucking reindeer?). If you are hoping to go down the elegant three-course dinner route, consider whether there is a kitchen on site (as this will save you hiring equipment in). If you're hosting at your office or home, map out the evening's activities and designate spaces for all the merry festivities.
STEP 2: Get creative with your theme
Themes are the secret sauce that transforms an ordinary holiday gathering into an unforgettable one. Whether it's a lavish winter wonderland extravaganza, alpine lodge themed affair or a retro inspired "ugly sweaters" do, a theme ignites excitement and helps break the ice amongst colleagues and friends.
STEP 3: Food & drinks - the important bit!
Now, let's dive into the delicious details. If you’re anything like us, food & drink forms the centre of any memorable party. Speak to us if you have a theme in mind so we can add fun touches to your menu (and decor) to make your party a fully immersive experience. If you’re a little more budget conscious, consider a standing affair.
Canapes & bowl food are a brilliant alternative to your traditional three-course Christmas dinner if you’re open to something more casual - plus they allow for tonnes of mingling. With a selection of sweet and savoury canapes and bowls, you’ve got easy eating options for a standing reception even with a drink in hand.
Let us take it up a notch for you with a couple of winter food stations - giving everyone a choice of options and something fun to interact with. Fancy a touch more elegance? How about a sit-down dinner with all the festive trimmings? Sharing is all the rage so consider a sweet grazing table or cheese board for dessert, to get your guests on their feet and dancing sooner. This way they can keep coming back for more.
As for drinks, set the tone with fabulous cocktails. Greet your guests with a showstopper of an arrival drink, such as our "Christmas in Kyoto" cocktail, featuring East London Liquor Company vodka, edamame milk, white chocolate liqueur, and a hint of ginger. Or up your non-alcoholic offering with our mocktails and invigorating "Turmeric Hot Toddy" - the ideal spicy winter warmer.
A Star Wars themed Christmas office party 2022
Our ‘Light Bite Buffet’ offers a more relaxed feel for your Christmas party!
STEP 4: Deck the halls
Transform your venue into a festive wonderland with mood lighting. Dig out those twinkling lights (that you hopefully wrapped carefully last year...), hang the mistletoe, and if your venue allows candles, these can be a great addition for added drama. Leave the rest to us - we can dress your table to impress, with textured glasses and colourful linen, as well as help you with furniture from sofas and tables, to funky bar structures.
Keep sustainability in mind with our "Five Ways to Craft a Zero-Waste DIY Christmas" blog for inspiration when it comes to conscious table settings or thoughtful secret Santa gifts. Opt for eco bowls, consider the vegetarian and vegan options, and go with local suppliers where possible.
STEP 5: The finishing touches
To etch-a-sketch your Christmas party into everyone's memory, think about those personal touches that make an evening stand out. Small table favours, branded cocktails, a heartfelt toast or shots with your team? And, of course, don't forget to capture all of those magical moments with a photographer or a photo booth - after all, memories are the most precious keepsakes.
So, there you have it - your ultimate guide to orchestrating a Christmas party that is sure to DAZZLE your friends and colleagues. It's all about sharing the festive spirit, creating memories, and celebrating the journey of 2023. We are here to help every step of the way, allowing you the time to wrap up those loose ends before the Christmas break and savour every moment of the season's merriment.
A winter wedding for Megan and Paul at the London Rowing Club.
