Were you just designated the official party planner for your office Christmas party but are unsure of where to begin? Certainly you've hosted fabulous parties before but now you have to plan an event that will not only impress your boss but that your co-workers will enjoy.
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Tips for throwing a successful corporate Christmas party
You're probably struggling trying to stick to the budget your boss handed, trying to figure out where to celebrate special events in Newcastle restaurants who offer affordable rates on catering or celebrating special events on-site. In addition, you need to consider funding for activities or entertainment and invitations, unless you do electronic ones.
- Create a successful timeline. Begin planning in November so you can let your co-workers know about the event at least a month ahead of time. This allows you to accommodate schedules without pressuring anyone. Schedule the party in the early evening around 7 pm on a Friday night so guests can enjoy themselves without worrying about working the next day.
- Forgo written invitation and send one email to your entire group of co-workers. This will save money and you're assured that everyone received it.
- Follow your budget. Remember most guests consider delicious food at Newcastle restaurants to be the most important part of the event. Besides, when you choose to host it at a venue like a restaurant, you can include alcohol in your package cheaper than ala carte. Provide appetizers as guests begin to arrive and think about arranging a dinner buffet and dessert table for the main event. Keep in mind if any of your staff is a vegetarian or has food allergies to accommodate them.
- Plan for enough alcohol to add to your party, but not be the main event. If the budget allows, pay for an open bar or a few specialty cocktails. Consider making it a three or four drinks per a person limit as often if guests become too drunk, they may start arguments based on work resentments.
- Keep decorations affordable. Don't waste your money paying a professional florist for crystal or silver vases and done-up centerpieces, when you can create some elegant ones from some glass vases and flowers from a local store.
- Plan some activities to promote team building among your business. Think of games or activities like a Christmas trivia contest; guess the Christmas movie game, or a Christmas carol competition. These types of activities get everyone involved in groups that they may not always interact with.
- Buy quality prizes for the games, such as live CD's of popular Christmas carols. Consider adding to the entertainment by hiring a live band or local DJ to play some music or host a karaoke singing competition.
As you plan your corporate Christmas party, remember to search for Newcastle restaurants that specialize in celebrating special events. Once you book it, send a mass e-mail out to all of your co-workers and have fun finishing the minute details, including remembering to find a list taxicabs in case anyone parties a little too hard.
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