🎄 How to Nail Your Work Christmas Party (Without Losing the Plot)

After years spent navigating the quirks of hospitality, I’ve seen my fair share of office Christmas do's — from the brilliantly executed to the brilliantly chaotic. If you’ve drawn the short straw and landed the planning role, fear not. Here are a few tried-and-tested tips to help you make the most of the madness.

📅 Book Early, Thank Yourself Later

Venues don’t stop planning for Christmas — even in July. The earlier you book, the better your chances of getting the date and setup you want. Some places offer early bird deals too, so it’s worth asking. If you find a venue that works for your team year after year, don’t be afraid to pencil in a provisional booking before this year’s glitter has even settled.

🏛️ Choose the Right Venue for Your Size

If you want a private party, check the venue’s full capacity first. A space that holds 380 guests probably won’t give it over exclusively to your group of 150 on a Friday night. In that case, look at smaller venues where your group would fill the space entirely — just be aware you’ll likely be contracted for the full number.

Alternatively, consider a joiner party — these are shared events where multiple companies celebrate in one space, often with your team seated together.

🔢 Be Realistic with Your Numbers

Avoid holding more spots than you’ll need. Most venues will hold space for a couple of weeks while you collect deposits, which are usually non-refundable and non-transferable. If your numbers might creep up, let the venue know and keep the communication open — it makes life easier for everyone.

🍾 Drinks Packages — Plan Ahead

Many venues offer drinks packages that can be pre-ordered, often at a discount. These tend to land around August or September. If you're ordering in bulk, give the venue a heads-up on how you'd like drinks distributed across tables — it saves confusion on the night.

🍽️ Food Pre-Orders Matter

Set menus with a few dietary alternatives are the norm now. If there are menu choices, venues usually request pre-orders by early October so they can plan with suppliers. Take a copy with you on the night — people tend to forget what they picked two months ago.

Last-minute swaps can usually be accommodated, but large changes can throw a kitchen into chaos. If there are specific dietary needs, speak with the venue early — most will be happy to help.

🪑 Seating Plans — Get Organised

For private parties, ask how the tables will be laid out so you can prep a seating plan. Print it as late as you can — there’s always a change or two. Create two copies: one to display, one for the venue with dietary needs clearly marked.

For joiner parties, seating is a little more rigid. Venues may not confirm table numbers until close to the event, and they’ll often seat groups together in one area. If tables are a set size, you’ll need to fill them evenly. In this case, we’d say skip the formal plan — let the group mix naturally.

🕐 Booking Late? Don’t Panic

If you’re sorting things last-minute, don’t stress — cancellations happen. Check with venues regularly as spots do free up, but be ready to pay in full and get your food and drink orders in pronto.

🛏️ Need Accommodation? Ask Early

If the venue has rooms, they’ll usually offer discounted rates for partygoers — but these go fast. If not, ask if they recommend nearby places and get on it quickly.

🚕 Don’t Forget the Taxi

Sounds simple, but it’s amazing how many people forget. Book your taxi in advance, both there and back. It's one less thing to worry about on the night — and you won’t be stuck outside at 1am trying to flag down anything with four wheels. Bonus tip: get a booking reference so your ride doesn’t get pinched.

🎉 Consider January Instead

If December's too hectic — or partner politics are getting tricky — why not push the party to January? Pre-pay before the break, then kick off the new year with something to look forward to. Venues often drop their rates post-Christmas, too.

Hope that helps — and if all else fails, just remember: good company, decent music, and something fried on a napkin go a long way.

Now go and make it festive.