By Liz Taylor, Founder and CEO of Taylor Lynn Corporation and Liz Taylor Consultancy
It’s November. The Christmas decorations are appearing, diaries are filling up, and someone has just asked the question every PA and EA dreads: “Have we sorted the Christmas party yet?”
And suddenly, everyone is looking at you.
First things first. Don’t panic. I’ve spent over 40 years organising events, and if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that a brilliant party doesn’t necessarily need six months of planning. What it does need is clear thinking, decisive action and knowing where to focus your energy.
So, if the office Christmas party is still on your to-do list, here’s my advice.
Stop trying to please everyone
One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to accommodate every opinion in the office.
Someone wants a formal dinner. Someone else wants dancing. Half the team wants to dress up, while the other half would rather go straight from work. Before you know it, you’ve got 15 suggestions and nothing booked.
My advice? Make a decision.
Think about your team, your budget and the atmosphere you want to create. Then commit to it. You’ll never please everyone, but you can create an experience most people will love.
A Christmas party is supposed to be a celebration, not another committee meeting.
Spend your money where it matters
When time is short, it’s tempting to throw money at the problem. Don’t.
A memorable party isn’t necessarily the most expensive. It’s one where people feel looked after, the atmosphere is fantastic and everything runs seamlessly.
For me, there are three priorities: great food, great entertainment and great company.
Get those right and you’re halfway there.
And don’t underestimate the welcome. The first few minutes set the tone. A warm greeting, a drink in hand and a room that feels alive can make all the difference.
Nobody remembers the colour of the napkins. They remember how an event made them feel.
Don’t be afraid to share
There’s a misconception that a shared Christmas party is somehow a compromise. I couldn’t disagree more.
For smaller businesses, shared party nights can offer an experience that would be difficult and expensive to create independently.
Think spectacular production, fantastic entertainment and a room full of people ready to celebrate. All without organising every detail yourself.
The secret is choosing a professionally organised event where the experience has been carefully considered, rather than simply booking a table in a large room.
Delegate to the experts
I’ve always believed the best event organisers know when to hand things over.
PAs and EAs are some of the most organised people I know, but that doesn’t mean you should become an event producer, caterer and entertainment booker on top of your day job.
Look for a venue or package where the hard work has already been done.
Ask the right questions. What’s included? Who’s managing the evening? What happens if something goes wrong?
The answers tell you far more than a glossy brochure.
And finally, make it feel like Christmas!
I love a Christmas party. The glamour, excitement, opportunity to bring people together and, yes, a little sparkle.
After a busy year, people deserve something special. Not another obligatory work function, but a genuine thank you for everything they’ve contributed.
That’s the thinking behind our AprΓ¨s-Ski Christmas at Tatton Park. We’ve brought together festive atmosphere, delicious food, entertainment and alpine glamour, with shared party nights and bottomless brunch celebrations designed to take the pressure off the organiser.
Because sometimes the smartest decision is letting someone else take care of the party.
So, if you’re reading this in November with an empty Christmas party spreadsheet and a growing sense of dread, take my advice.
Make a decision. Book something fabulous. And get back to the other 101 things on your list.
Christmas is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. Including the person organising it.
Liz Taylor is founder and CEO of Taylor Lynn Corporation and Liz Taylor Consultancy. Discover Après-Ski Christmas at Tatton Park at www.tlc-ltd.co.uk.
