As we continue the countdown to the company Christmas party, our party planning expert, Liz Taylor from Taylor Lynn Corporation takes us through action for September. Her invaluable advice on what PAs, EAs and other event organisers, in charge of this year’s company Christmas party need to do this month,
The September countdown to the company Christmas party starts with food & drink
Hosting a Christmas party for your company is a fantastic way to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and foster team spirit, and, while throwing a successful party involves many details, one of the most important is planning the food and drink. The team at Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC) shares their expert tips on creating a memorable culinary experience that will bring everyone together in the spirit of the season.
Creating a culinary experience
When planning the menu for your company Christmas party, think about creating a culinary experience that reflects the festive spirit while accommodating the diverse tastes of your colleagues. It can be difficult to please everyone so start with the type of event you are planning; is it a formal sit-down meal? And if so, how many courses? Or will you opt for a more relaxed affair, with street food stations and buckets of beer, for example?
Thereโs a definite demand in the industry for a street food approach, whether thatโs hired food trucks or a caterer that can emulate that street-food style. From traditional holiday fare to globally inspired dishes, the key is to offer a variety of options to ensure everyone feels included and satisfied. And incorporating interactive food stations or themed cuisine can elevate the dining experience and create a memorable event for all attendees.
Once youโve decided on the style, itโs time to taste what you will be offering. Get the caterer to create a menu for you to sample, and make sure to take a couple of colleagues from different departments that represent the varied demographics of the business with you. It can be really easy to get carried away with dishes that you personally fall in love with but, remember that you are catering for a diverse range of ages and tastes.
And donโt forget to think practicalities. If youโre going for the street-food vibe versus sit-down meal, where is everyone going to sit? Will high tables and stools work? Or do you need some cantina tables and chairs too? Is relaxed seating required too? Or a VIP area for the board members?
Professional presentation
Whatever the style or theme, ensure that the food is artfully presented. Elegant plating, creative garnishes, and cleverly composed table settings can elevate the dining experience and leave a lasting impression on your colleagues. Take your company’s brand and values and immerse them into the event. Think taking the colours of your logo into the theme, perhaps, but however you do it, do it with style.
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- Photos by Taylor Lynn Corporation
Thoughtful drink selection
When it comes to drinks, thoughtful selection is key. It should complement the food, for one, beer works well with street food, wine works well with a hearty roast, and warm cider with a Christmas market theme, for example. Ask your caterers if youโre not sure.
Providing a range of options is essential to ensure that everyone can join in, so if you are planning a reception cocktail, make sure that thereโs a mocktail version too thatโs just a visually appealing and flavourful as its spirited counterpart.
Are you going for classic holiday beverages such as mulled wine and eggnog, or crafting something custom? From Christmas Mojitos to frosty peppermint martinis, the options are endless. Christmas is the perfect excuse to go beyond the expected and surprise everyone with unconventional yet delightful drink choices that embody the festive spirit. Maybe you even want to include a mixology station where guests can concoct their own personalised drink for the season?
And, given how we are all watching the pennies a bit more these days, are you going for a paid bar or one thatโs on the company account? An accepted compromise could be that you offer wines, beers and soft drinks on account, with spirits and anything else paid for by guests.
Sustainability in the season
Amidst the merriment, it’s important to think about integrating eco-friendly practices into your food and drink preparations by sourcing local, organic ingredients and minimising food waste. Recycling stations is an easy one and eco-friendly Christmas crackers are widely available now, but how about linking up with a charity, say for every meal served, one will be donated to the homeless. Or, if youโre going down the more relaxed style, providing bespoke personalised reusable glasses?
Accommodating dietary restrictions
In today’s diverse work environment, it’s essential to accommodate dietary restrictions when planning the food and drink for a company Christmas party. Take proactive measures to inquire about any dietary preferences or restrictions among your colleagues to ensure that everyone can indulge in the festivities without concern. Offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options demonstrates thoughtfulness and inclusivity, and all the good caterers should be geared up to offer these alternatives.
Planning the food and drink for a Christmas party presents an opportunity to unleash your creativity so letโs raise a glass and toast to your Christmas celebration being a resounding success. Cheers!
Next time we talk final numbers and logisticsโฆcheck back in at the start of October. Check out Liz’s August Christmas party action points.
www.tlc-ltd.co.uk โ X: @taylorlynncorp โ Instagram: @taylorlynncorp โFacebook: @taylorlynncorporationโ 0161 876 6266 โE taylor.lynn@tlc-ltd.co.uk
