Countdown to Christmas: plan that party
Have you organised your work or personal Christmas party yet?
The Christmas party season gets earlier every year and popular venues book out fast.
The best parties live on in everyone’s memory long after the last drink has been emptied and the last bite eaten.
And they don’t happen by accident, they need planning. That means considering every detail, from the date, venue and invitations to the theme, budget and catering.
First, establish the budget. Will staff contribute to the cost or will you pick up the tab?
Consider staff suggestions, particularly if turnout in the past has been poor.
Decide on the level of formality. Sophisticated dine and dance? Casual buffet lunch? A theme party?
You want guests to be comfortable but you also want to make them feel special so don’t assume you know what will appeal.
Choose a date that doesn’t interfere with important work deadlines and give staff plenty of notice.
The venue is the big one – it sets the tone of the event, whether it’s informal family fun or a sophisticated corporate affair.
Are you going to organise everything yourself, book a complete package at a venue, or hire an event manager?
Southland has countless amazing venues and many will do the organising for you.
Select a venue that reflects the tone. Think function room, casino, winery, lake, river, beach, mini-putt, the races, an adventure venue, hotel, restaurant, bar, cinema, charter boat.
Check out the options on these pages. Bombay Palace, Food at Clifton catering, Christmas @ The Ascot (Ascot Park Hotel), Timaru Roast, Invercargill Workingmen’s Club.
When you talk to venues, define what is included in the price and what is extra.
Sometimes a cheaper price isn’t cheap once you add in all the extras.
If you want a theme, choose one that fits the intended mood and venue, and set the dress code to match. Christmas season in New Zealand can be hot, so think carefully about asking people to dress up, especially in the afternoon. You can theme tables, dance areas and the catering area.
Speaking of tables, choose a menu that fits your budget, appeals to a wide range of tastes and cater to vegetarians and special dietary needs.
Buffet is better for large numbers; a al carte for a more intimate number. Perhaps canapes will better fit the occasion.
Some venues provide all food and beverages, others allow you to organise your own caterers.
Organise transport if appropriate, send out invitations, confirm numbers – and relax knowing everything is in hand.
PS: If you are worried you will forget something, check out the checklist at www.venues.org.nz/ p/christmas-partychecklist.html