Stuart Gavin, Sales and Marketing Manager at 30 Euston Square gives his advice for making the most of the festive season.
Once again, this year has slipped past in the blink of an eye. It’s nearly the end of summer, and plans for Christmas are well underway. At this time, many PAs are often faced with the task of organising the end of year Christmas party. Budgets, timing and politics can all impact on the process, so here are my five top tips to follow when searching for the right venue and the best party for 2016.
- Try something new: Most people who booked well in advance are more likely to have a list of venues they book on rotation, if not the same venue year on year. But maybe it’s time to try something new, something that will reinvigorate the event, grow attendance and above all else make it more exciting. If you haven’t already booked a venue, or have missed out on your preferred option, there are still plenty of venues waiting to be discovered, so why not have a look around?
- It doesn’t have to be formal: Many Christmas parties are formal affairs – everybody gets dressed up and the evening consists of drinks and a sit down dinner. But how about something that is not just a little more relaxed but also a lot more fun? With the rise in street food style food, 30 Euston Square is offering live chef stations serving up a twist on the traditional Christmas favourites. Mingle more, relax more and enjoy more!
- Getting the food right: For some, Christmas is all about festive drinks but for many it’s about delicious food. Many Christmas party organisers put a significant part of their budget towards drink, however it’s important to make sure there is not just enough food but also creative and interesting food that people want to eat. The venues with the clever and creative chefs will have far more than roast turkey on the menu so make the most of it and choose something truly memorable for your guests. Food is one of the main talking points after an event – make sure it is talked about for all the right reasons.
- Set a clear budget: Just because it’s Christmas and expectations run high doesn’t mean you have to blow the budget. If you are clear about your budget from the outset it will help you manage costs throughout the process, help you get more for your money and allow the venue to add more value and ensure you don’t get any nasty surprises when the invoice comes through.
- Finally – Get feedback: Find out what people thought about the evening – what worked well and what didn’t. Take these on board and make changes for next year – or if you decide to use the same venue based on the feedback, book it as soon as possible! Chances are you will get a better deal as the venue will appreciate the earlier booking. Ultimately, it’s an evening to be enjoyed so actively seeking their thoughts will ensure you hit the mark when planning for the future.
Here at 30 Euston Square we offer three different packages to enable you and your guest to enjoy festive soirees in the State Rooms and Rooftop Terrace, or a more fine-dining occasion in our Heritage Rooms. Packages start from only £89pp + VAT and include room hire, festive food, arrival drinks and treats, unlimited drink for three hours, glittering festive theming and entertainment. For further information about 30 Euston Square’s packages, visit our website at 30eustonsquare.couk/christmas. I hope to hear from you soon but if not, have a great festive season!
