The Corporate Christmas Party is a highly anticipated calendar moment— a seasonal soiree that brings together the entire team, celebrates achievements, and boosts morale. The task of organising this often falls to PAs, and it can feel like a big responsibility to get it right. This year we have found some expert helpers!…
We’ve tapped into the knowledge of the Christmas events team at Vine Hotels, a company that owns and manages a range of hotels and exclusive-use venues nationwide, which hosts hundreds of festive celebrations each year.
Here are five expert tips from the company’s Christmas event planners.
How to elevate your corporate Christmas Party this year
1. On trend theme
“It can be difficult to know where to begin when you start to organise a Christmas party, says Alison Gibson from The Old Rectory, Handsworth, “but choosing a theme can help you to be more decisive and elevate your night to new heights.”
They continue: “As well as adding personality and having a unifying effect, a theme can transform an ordinary corporate event into a night to remember. Don’t be afraid to think of something new and original this year, it may just add that missing element you’ve been looking for to take your party to the next level.
Some on-trend, quirky themes for 2024:
Bridgerton: Throw a grand Regency ball just like we saw in the Netflix drama of 2024.
Tropical Christmas: We all need an uplifting with some sunshine and vitamin D at this time of year, even if it’s imaginary. So how about throwing a colourful and quirky tropical Christmas party with vibrant décor and exotic cocktails?
Candyland: transport guests to a magical world filled with candy. A Wonka-worthy wonderland bedecked in bright colours and sweet treats as far as the eye can see.”
TIP: If you prefer something less theatrical, choose one main colour scheme and use it in a range of shades. Deep red, all the way through to fuchsia pink offset with silver, for example. It provides a designer look for a smaller budget.
2. Catering switch-up
Amelia Reid from Clarion Hotel Charlecote Pheasant in Stratford-upon-Avon believes that approaching catering from a different perspective can have a transformative effect on your party (and your budget) this year.
“We host a wide range of ‘joiner’ Christmas parties for companies who don’t want a private event and prefer a traditional meal. More frequently though, we’re organising Christmas parties that don’t have to have a formal meal as the main event. This is a winner for those on smaller budgets, it’s more relaxed and allows you to focus on the more memorable event aspects, such as drinks and entertainment.
“Interactive street food stalls or hearty canapés are popular. With our outdoor event space and a marquee, we also host Christmas market-styled events outside, serving bratwurst or a hog roast with hot Glühwein. How about Christmas tapas? A creative twist on traditional Christmas dishes with bold flavours in smaller portions.”
TIP: Embrace the Christmas flavours people expect in magical miniature. One-bite turkey and ham pies. Bite-sized clementine cheesecakes. Mini toad in the hole with pigs in blankets.
3. Stylish and on brand
Why not bring in an element of brand recognition to your event? Jade Longden from Best Western Plus Mosborough Hall Hotel says:
“Think about a theme for the event and how it can represent your brand vision and values. Can you incorporate a sensational Christmas tree and decorate it with corporate colours? Gift everyone an iced cookie or gingerbread man with your logo included. Create signature cocktails that are named to reflect your company, and even include a cocktail-making class that gets everyone channelling their inner mixologist.
And I see more and more companies adopting a family focus, in line with their philosophy of promoting better work: life balance, and a way of bringing home-working teams together. So, family festive events and daytime parties are more popular, complete with kids’ games, activities, and a visit from Santa.
TIP: In the era of remote and hybrid working, Wednesday is becoming the prime day for office Christmas get-togethers. As most employees are in the office mid-week, an event on a Wednesday night provides the perfect opportunity. Film the event too. Great to send out a company highlights video in January!
4. Celebrations with a cause
“In light of the economic climate, companies are increasingly mindful of the optics of extravagant office parties and how that may look – not only to press commentators but also to their teams. There’s a growing trend to mark the season but incorporate charitable initiatives into Christmas celebrations to give a wider purpose” says Haley Cowles from DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park Hotel.
“We can accommodate up to 500 people for an event, so the hotel is a natural choice for charity occasions. I see companies infusing the party with philanthropy. This can be through fundraising activities, partnering with local charities, to volunteering opportunities for teams. This provides a way for companies to give back to the community while celebrating and embracing the real spirit of the season.
TIP: Your Christmas event needs to be inclusive. Ensure that your venue provides appropriate access and accommodation, such as wheelchair-accessible guestrooms. Consider sensory-friendly spaces for people with neurodiverse conditions. Offer a menu and drinks selection that reflects shifts in food allergies and drinking preferences.
5. Immersive entertainment
“This is a real buzzword in events at the moment and it’s true that getting the entertainment right, can make or break a corporate party,” continues Francesca Androsiglio from Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel.
“A DJ or live band still has their place, but going beyond this is the big 2024 trend. Technology, lighting, set design, multisensory elements, and role play – immerse the guest from beginning to end.
“Bring in roaming actors and performers. Try an augmented reality photo or VR station that transports your guests into a scene linked with your theme. Or how about a murder mystery that plays out around your guests at the table? Suspend reality for a few hours and transport guests to a new level of entertainment.”
TIP: Engagement is key. Simple ideas are game show challenges, quizzes, Christmas baking challenges, escape rooms, and crafting workshops. Followed by dinner and dancing!
About Vine Hotels
Vine Hotels owns and operates a portfolio of uniquely individual hotels and venues in the UK. Each is distinctively different in style. All focussed on delivering a consistently high standard of guest experience. It has a growing portfolio of hotels and provides a range of services from management contracts to acquisitions, business health checks, turnaround solutions, and hospitality consultancy. For more details, visit Vine Hotels.
