Your Perfect Party Must-Haves

The Date

You want... School Night Partying

Thursday and Friday are by far your favourite nights to party, wisely timed at the end of the working week to allow for late nights – and potential hangovers! Weekends are not so popular, possibly due to the lack of plus one invites, as colleagues are less willing to give up social/family time on weekends. According to Venue Search London’s recent survey on Christmas parties, Saturday’s are becoming increasingly unpopular with Sunday’s practically a no go.

And... Pre & Post-Christmas Parties

You think November is a bit too early. Leave it until late January, and your party lacks a sense of occasion. December is your ‘Goldilocks’ of Christmas party months. But early Jan is becoming a popular party date, especially for those of you in the service or hospitality industry. “We’re flat out in December,” says Lauren Egginton, Event Manager at Moddershall Oaks Country Spa & Hotel. “When most people are partying we’re working. So there’s something special about having a blow out in January – when everyone else is holed up in front of Netflix, waiting for the next payday.”

The Venue

You want... An external venue…
unless you make a real effort

Most of you prefer to host your party out of the office, rather than dancing around your keyboard. But there are office parties that are breaking the sad-punch-and-a-few-party-streamers mould. Take Coco Cola. They turned their London HQ into a winter wonderland, complete with lifesized polar bears, Nutcracker soldiers and a liquid nitrogen ice cream parlour. “The staff found it really magical to see their workplace transformed,” said Jim from party band The Fanatics, who provided the night’s entertainment. “Being in the office definitely didn’t stop them from partying. The intimate environment actually made our performance feel even more exciting – a bit like headlining Santa’s Grotto!”

Or... An external venue…
as long as it’s convenient

Location, location, location. Kirsty and Phil have a good point. It’s a key factor for your guests, who don’t want to be left stranded or facing a long, cold and convoluted bus journey before the fun has even started. Choose a venue that is easily accessible by public transport – important if you’re an environmentally-minded company – or well serviced by cabs. If you can stretch to a coach, minibus, or even your guests’ accommodation, great. If not, include details of transport and taxi companies with the invite, encourage cab-sharing for guests that share postcodes, and make sure carriage details are available in the lobby or reception of the venue.

The Main Event

You want... Live Entertainment

It’s not just the team at Alive Network that knows the power of live music and entertainment – you do too! Guests and planners alike are in agreement when it comes to party priorities, putting live ents as one of your big three when it comes to party planning, alongside food and drink. “It’s the heart and soul of a party…Nothing creates a buzz like it,” says Kaye Morrissey, Head of Operations at Open Forum Events. “A decent budget for live entertainment is a top priority for us.”

As well as the ice breaking, the dancing (essential…), and all round fun factor, entertainment is also cited as the most memorable aspect of your party, as well as a source of user-generated content and tactic for social shares. “Entertainment is nearly always the talk of the event, so it’s important to give this due consideration,” says Cora Lydon from Executive PA magazine, adding that entertainment options can “also provide amazing brand awareness opportunities as they are so visually appealing.” Unsurprisingly, Insta-worthy and interactive entertainment that makes guests the stars is big for the 2024 party season.

Your Top 5 Entertainment Picks

Inexpensive Drinks

The raison d'être for most end-of-year parties is to thank colleagues and boost morale. So making guests pay big bucks for bar drinks at a costly venue they likely didn’t choose feels a bit counterintuitive.

A complimentary drink or two goes a long way. Providing some welcome fizz, a free company-named cocktail, or mulled wine and filtered water on tables, is a great gesture. If the budget allows, go for a paid bar – a themed bar is a great party hack for those who want their drinks to double up as entertainment. And don’t forget those who would prefer a booze-free night. Hot and soft drinks like Ski Cabin-style hot chocolates and Christmas mocktails are a winner for all guests.

Fun Food

A table dinner is a perfect way to line stomachs and have a bit of calm before the party. But many of you are departing from the traditional five courses. Matching up your food options to your company vibe is key. “We’re definitely more street food, tacos and popcorn carts than the table dining types,” admits Toby Lawrence from the British and Irish Modern Music Institution (BIMM). “While we all have big appetites, we also have short attention spans and don’t really want to sit down at a table for half the night! For us, it’s all about the live music and getting on that dancefloor!”

“Entertainment is nearly always the talk of the event” - Executive PA

...And The Party Poopers

Your top three Christmas party turn offs are:

1. Dress Codes
   When it comes to fancy dress, you’re not big fans. Donning a Santa beard for some photobooth fun is fine. Just don’t ask your guests to go full Tarts and Vicars. Ever.
2. Looong Speeches
   Bosses beware! It might feel tempting to wax lyrical about company strategy while you have a captive audience. But this is a major guest turnoff. “Everyone is meant to be letting their hair down,” says Kaye. “Now is not the time for the annual review, especially if your guests are drinking. You may mean well but, believe me, you look like the fun police.” Bottom line: If you must make a speech, follow the TED Talk 18 minute rule.
3. Inappropriate Behaviour
   Alcohol, we’re looking at you. Drunk and disorderly colleagues are one of guests’ biggest party bugbears and one of planners’ greatest challenges. However, you can mitigate the risks. Providing an open bar and only serving canapés is a recipe for disaster. If possible, arrange for food to be circulated throughout the evening, rather than just early on. Think about providing coffees before the dancing begins. And don’t forget plenty of inspiring soft drink options – how about your own mocktail creation station?

For more Christmas party entertainment ideas, check out our Christmas Entertainment page and our articles on Christmas Entertaining.