The corporate Christmas party is a highly anticipated calendar moment— a seasonal soiree that brings together the entire team, celebrates achievements, and boosts morale. The task of organising this often falls to PAs, and it can feel like a big responsibility to get it right. This year we have found some expert helpers!
We’ve tapped into the knowledge of the Christmas events team at Vine Hotels, a company that owns and manages a range of hotels and exclusive-use venues nationwide, which hosts hundreds of festive celebrations each year.
Here are five expert tips from the company’s Christmas event planners that will help elevate your corporate celebration this year.
ON TREND THEME
“It can be difficult to know where to begin when you start to organise a Christmas party, says Alison Gibson from The Old Rectory, Handsworth: “but choosing a theme can help you to be more decisive and elevate your night to new heights.”
They continue: “As well as adding personality and having a unifying effect, a theme can transform an ordinary corporate event into a night to remember. Don’t be afraid to think of something new and original this year, it may just add that missing element you’ve been looking for to take your party to the next level.
“Some on-trend, quirky themes for 2024 are:
Bridgerton: Throw a grand Regency ball just like we saw in the Netflix drama of 2024. Allocate each team a house and have everyone come dressed accordingly in their finery. Décor is over the top, worthy of royalty and aristocracy. Cater with a towering banquet or fancy afternoon tea then plan some fun regency games and dances from the era to finish.
Christmas in the Tropics: We all need the uplifting effect of sunshine and holidays at this time of year, even if it’s artificial. So how about throwing a colourful and quirky tropical Christmas party with bright vibrant décor, exotic cocktails, and lively music, allowing guests to escape the usual winter chill?
Candyland: imagine a magical world filled with candy. A Wonka-worthy wonderland bedecked in bright colours and sweet treats as far as the eye can see. This theme doesn’t stop at décor and colourways but incorporates interactive sweet stations, candy-themed cocktails and Instagramable backdrops.
TIP: If you prefer something less theatrical, choose one main colour scheme and use it in a range of shades. Deep red, all the way through to fuchsia pink offset with silver, for example. It provides a designer look for a smaller budget.
CATERING SWITCH-UP
Amelia Reid from Clarion Hotel Charlecote Pheasant in Stratford-upon-Avon believes that approaching catering from a different perspective can have a transformative effect on your party (and your budget) this year.
“We host a wide range of ‘joiner’ Christmas parties for companies who don’t want a private event and prefer a traditional meal. More frequently though, we’re organising Christmas parties that don’t have to have a formal meal as the main event. This is a winner for those on smaller budgets, it’s more relaxed and allows you to focus on the more memorable event aspects, such as drinks and entertainment.
“Interactive street food stalls or hearty canapés are popular. With our outdoor event space and a marquee, we also host Christmas market-styled events outside, serving bratwurst or a hog roast with hot Glühwein. How about Christmas tapas? A creative twist on traditional Christmas dishes with bold flavours in smaller portions.”
TIP: Embrace the Christmas flavours people expect in magical miniature. One-bite turkey and ham pies. Bite-sized clementine cheesecakes. Mini toad in the hole with pigs in blankets.
STYLISH AND ON BRAND
Why not bring in an element of brand recognition to your event, Jade Longden from Best Western Plus Mosborough Hall Hotel says.
“Think about a theme for the event and how it can represent your brand vision and values. Can you incorporate a sensational Christmas tree and decorate it with corporate colours? Gift everyone an iced cookie or gingerbread man with your logo included. Create signature cocktails that are named to reflect your company, and even include a cocktail-making class that gets everyone channelling their inner mixologist.
And I see more and more companies adopting a family focus, in line with their philosophy of promoting better work-life balance, and a way of bringing home-working teams together. So, family festive events and daytime parties are more popular, complete with kids’ games, activities, and a visit from Santa.
Aiden Strong from Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel – is also an advocate of weaving your company’s branding through the party. They added. “We always try to add an element of branding to our corporate party décor as it’s what makes your party feel unique to your company, rather than an ‘off the shelf’ solution.
“Work with your venue to incorporate elements like custom-designed centrepieces, bespoke banners, or your logo projected in lights. Don’t be afraid to introduce statement elements too! What about an ice sculpture in your company logo’s shape – a dramatic centrepiece to provide the “wow” factor when guests first walk into the room.”
“And it’s not just about how it looks but every element of the party. For example, if you’re a local, sustainable brand then perhaps you can choose and celebrate other local suppliers that share the same ethos.”
TIP: In the era of remote and hybrid working, Wednesday is becoming the prime day for office Christmas get-togethers. As most employees are in the office mid-week, an event on a Wednesday night provides the perfect opportunity. Film the event too. Great to send out a company highlights video in January!
CELEBRATIONS WITH A CAUSE
“In light of the economic climate, companies are increasingly mindful of the optics of extravagant office parties and how that may look – not only to press commentators but also to their teams. There’s a growing trend to mark the season but incorporate charitable initiatives into Christmas celebrations to give a wider purpose” says Haley Cowles from DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park Hotel.
“We can accommodate up to 500 people for an event, so the hotel is a natural choice for charity occasions. I see companies infusing the party with philanthropy. This can be through fundraising activities, partnering with local charities, to volunteering opportunities for teams. This provides a way for companies to give back to the community while celebrating and embracing the real spirit of the season.
TIP: Your Christmas event needs to be inclusive. Ensure that your venue provides appropriate access and accommodation, such as wheelchair-accessible guestrooms. Consider sensory-friendly spaces for people with neurodiverse conditions. Offer a menu and drinks selection that reflects shifts in food allergies and drinking preferences.
IMMERSIVE ENTERTAINMENT
“This is a real buzzword in events at the moment and it’s true that getting the entertainment right, can make or break a corporate party,” continues Francesca Androsiglio from Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel.
“A DJ or live band still has their place, but going beyond this is the big 2024 trend. Technology, lighting, set design, multisensory elements, and role play – immerse the guest from beginning to end.
“Bring in roaming actors and performers. Try an augmented reality photo or VR station that transports your guests into a scene linked with your theme. Or how about a murder mystery that plays out around your guests at the table? Suspend reality for a few hours and transport guests to a new level of entertainment.”
TIP: Engagement is key. Simple ideas are game show challenges, quizzes, Christmas baking challenges, escape rooms, and crafting workshops. Followed by dinner and dancing!
TRANSFORM YOUR EVENT WITH FESTIVE LIGHTING
Décor can transform any space into a festive wonderland, and details matter when you’re trying to impress at a corporate event. Consider using décor that goes beyond simple Christmas trees and tinsel to elevate the overall experience.
One way to do this is to use ambient lighting.
A sea of fairy lights or candles can create a cosy, intimate atmosphere for your event – tempting guests out from the cold into the warm glow of your party.
Coloured up-lighters have the power to set or transform the mood into an uplifting and energetic event, highlight historic features and niches, and can be used to reinforce your brand colours too.
Take it outdoors says Annah Ward of Whirlow Brook Hall: “What about choosing a venue that has space for a light trail or a series of outdoor installations – then swap the initial welcome drinks from a glass of fizz to a warm mulled wine and hold this outside.
“Lighting can create a captivating visual experience and ensures your guests feel like they’ve stepped into something special.”
TIP: Appeal to other senses. Use scented candles to bring the fragrance of Christmas to your space. Cinnamon, orange, pomegranate. A perfect and inexpensive way to infuse the event with an added layer of detail.
CHOOSE A VENUE WITH ACCOMMODATION
“This is more of a logistical tip, but it will make such a difference to your guests,” says William Tamborrino of York House Hotel. “Especially if some are travelling further to the venue than others.”
“Choosing a venue for your party that includes accommodation will save those freezing-cold moments waiting for taxis or having to designate drivers. It will also offer reassurance to the company that everyone is safe and well at the end of the night.”
“It makes such a difference if the journey to bed is carpeted, heated and just moments away from the dance floor. Plus, you get that added ‘away day’ feel to your event and you can relive the evening together at breakfast the next morning.”
“And the icing on the cake? At our hotel, guests at our party night events receive a 15% discount off our best daily rate. So, you can save and stay. What’s not to love?”
TIP: Make the festivities continue into the following morning. Provide a bespoke branded ‘wake-up kit’ for guests staying over. A bottle of smoothie or water, a Nutri bar, fruit, Vitamin C, a fruit tea bag or coffee stick, and maybe a hangover cure!
MAKE IT A MULTI-DAY EVENT
Rhiannon Thomas from Best Western The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf & Spa recommends extending your event over a couple of days.
“This really sends a message to your team that you want them to switch off, relax and be rewarded for their hard work. There’s nothing worse than having to get up for work the next morning after a Christmas party – we’ve all been there and it’s never pretty!”
“Lots of our Christmas parties are now turning into multi-day events as a way of really rewarding teams” Rhiannon continues.
“We’re unique as we have a golf course and spa, so sometimes the team will come early on the day of the party and enjoy a round of golf beforehand. Other times, it’s a spa day after the event, to help people relax and recuperate. Either way, it’s about saying – this is your time now so turn off your phones and enjoy the time away from your desks and all the other responsibilities and noise at this time of year.”
TIP: Start the theme for your celebrations with the invitation. We’ve had clients create a unique invite by sending a box of company-branded golf balls – inside, a card detailing the festive plans.
For a full list of Vine Hotels owned and managed properties visit: https://www.vinehotels.co.uk/relax-with-vine-hotels/