Are you ready to think Christmas?
14/09/2021
We know, we know, we’re still enjoying the summer sun (when it likes to make an appearance), but we must remind ourselves that Christmas is only four months away!
Even in normal times, organising the perfect Christmas party can be a challenge. And with what we have endured over the latest 18 months, businesses are more conscious about confirming bookings for 2021 Christmas parties. However, at HTS, we’re here to put your mind at ease and give you the confidence to book a Christmas party to remember.
Flexible contract terms
In our last article, we talked about the importance of supplier relationships and understanding individual hotels policies. We’ve found that many of our hotel partners are offering flexible cancellation terms for Christmas bookings which has accelerated booking enquiries with the demand for venues set to be more competitive this year as businesses prepare for the festive season.
To help you get ahead of the booking frenzy, and to have a safe and enjoyable celebration, we’ve put together some of our top tips to help you get the ideas flowing…
Set your budget
As with any event, budget is key and needs to be agreed from the outset. Without a set budget, you’re unable to determine the logistics for the event.
Get your team involved
Who knows better than how they want to celebrate, than the team themselves! Think about forming a working party that can collate ideas on behalf of the rest of the team.
Think about the venue
Are you happy to travel or do you want to stay local? Do you want to take your team away for the night, so will accommodation be required?
Do you need a theme?
Not all Christmas parties require a theme, and they certainly don’t need to be festive if you do. But if you do want to create a unique experience for your guests, think about the different elements that bring the event together. It’s not just the outfits that set the theme. It’s the venue styling (and even venue) that helps create memorable moments.
Don’t forget the entertainment
Depending on your theme will lead you into the entertainment that will set the party off. It could be live music, party games, or simply photobooths – think about the finishing touches.
Virtual is still an option
We are all now immersed in new ways of communicating, operating, and bringing teams together. As a result, there are plenty of engaging alternatives to the traditional Christmas party. We’ve come a long way from the images of monotonous Zoom calls. Whether it’s gin or wine tasting, culinary experiences to something with higher intensity such as virtual horse racing, bingo, or scavenger. Trust us, the options are endless. So, if you’re not quite ready to bring the team back together or you want to provide an alternative option, consider virtual.
Plan ahead
Remember, it’s never too early to start thinking about breaking out the tinsel! It’s essential to start planning ahead to bag the perfect venue and have the festive shindig your team deserves. Get in touch with us today to start the discussions on how to get your staff to celebrate a Christmas to remember.
