If you find yourself in charge of planning the upcoming work Christmas party or you’ve been asked to help out, you're probably already aware of the challenge ahead: securing an excellent venue; choosing a menu that meets everyone’s dietary requirements; arranging captivating entertainment and all within budget, as well as juggling your day job. It's no small task!

While we might not be able to assist with the daunting job of ensuring everyone's happiness (how does one pull off a ballgown bungee jumping party combined with a Christmas banquet, after all?), we've put our heads together to provide you with a few ideas that could simplify things for you. Here's a key piece of advice - perhaps don't execute everything flawlessly, or you'll likely be recruited for the same role next year!

1.  Find Your Perfect Venue with Meet Cambridge

If you're still on the hunt for the perfect venue, don't lose hope! We can check availability with over 50 venues in and around Cambridge with just one enquiry. This saves you the trouble of spending hours on the phone contacting each venue individually and saying the same thing multiple times.  Also, why not check out our Christmas Party Venues blog? You’ll be able to see just a few of our venues’ offerings: Find your Christmas Party Venue here.

2.  Be Flexible with Your Dates

Flexibility is your friend when it comes to selecting a date and time. Fridays and Saturdays in December tend to be booked well in advance. Opting for a weekday evening or a lunchtime celebration opens up more possibilities.

3.  Be Inclusive

Advance knowledge of any special dietary requirements or accessibility is beneficial. This way, when assessing venues, you can discover which venue/s can accommodate your and your colleagues’ needs.

4.  Managing Menu Choices

If the venue offers various menu choices, you will probably need to gather everyone's meal preferences beforehand. Set up a spreadsheet to maintain a record for the venue and for your colleagues in case they can’t remember what they ordered! Simplify your life by assigning colleagues a deadline to submit their choices.

5.  Drinks

Managing drinks can be tricky. Consider discussing the option of pre-ordering drinks with the venue to save time and reduce indecision during the event. Ensure there's a good selection of non-alcoholic beverages for drivers and for those who don’t drink alcohol. If you'd rather not provide drinks throughout the entire event, consider offering vouchers for the bar or towards colleagues’ drinks of choice.

6.  Other Ideas to Celebrate the Festive Period

A festive celebration need not be an elaborate, expensive affair. Alternatives like festive afternoon teas, drinks receptions, or cocktails and appetizers are budget-friendly options.

7.  Transport/Carriage)

Transport is a crucial consideration. Determine if the venue offers parking; if not, consider arranging transport. If the venue has accommodation, securing discounted rates for guests can enhance the experience. Alternatively, send them this link where they can arrange their own B&B here.

8.  Share the Cost

If you'd prefer to avoid the challenges and costs for decorations and entertainment, think about attending a shared party night where everything is organised for you. Themed party nights are available across the city, each with unique options for entertainment. Check out our Christmas Party Venue blog here.

9.  Share the Workload

Delegate tasks to colleagues to share the workload during the event. This way, you can enjoy the festivities as well, knowing that you've earned it by them!

 

Hosting an office Christmas party is a fantastic opportunity to create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds within your team. By planning ahead, embracing the festive spirit, and prioritising inclusivity, you'll be well on your way to throwing a party that colleagues will talk about for years to come. So, put on your festive hat and get ready to spread some holiday cheer!

Make an Enquiry today 
 

Meet Cambridge can help you find a venue and host the perfect event in Cambridge.

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