Top Tips for Organising a Christmas Party

Organising a work Christmas party can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be a bit challenging and having a well-structured plan in place is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable celebration.

As a corporate events venue provider, we understand the importance of creating the perfect setting for your event. To help you make the most of your celebration, we've put together some top tips for organising a successful Christmas party, with how we can help along the way.

Before diving into the details, first determine how much money you have to spend on your christmas party. Setting a budget will help guide your decisions on the size of the event, the venue, catering, entertainment, and decorations. Be sure to factor in all potential expenses, including:

• ​Venue hire
• Food and drink catering
• Entertainment and activities
• Decorations

Having a well-thought-out budget will not only prevent you overspending, but it will also ensure you allocate funds appropriately.

Selecting the right dates and venue is crucial to the success of your Christmas party. The holiday season is a busy time, so make sure to book early to avoid disappointment. Consider the following when choosing your date and venue:

• ​Will the majority of your colleagues be available on these dates?
• Do you prefer a weekday or weekend stay?
• Does the venue have enough event and social spaces for your party size?

Our exclusive use venue offers a number of versatile event spaces perfect for hosting festive celebrations of all sizes. Booking early ensures you secure your preferred date and allows ample time to plan other important details.

A great way to add excitement to your Christmas party is by choosing a theme. A well-thought-out theme sets the tone for the event and makes planning easier. Some popular Christmas party themes include:

• ​Winter Wonderland - Think snowflakes, Christmas lights, and icy decor
• Christmas movie night - Decorate based on classic Christmas files like Home Alone or Elf
• Ugly Christmas Jumper Party - Encourage everyone to wear their most outrageous holiday jumpers
• Masquerade Christmas Ball - A more formal and elegant approach
• Santa's Workshop - A fun and festive environment with decorations

Alongside the theme, plan activities to keep your guests entertained. Some fun ideas include:

• ​Christmas karaoke
• A festive photo booth with props
• Secret Santa gift exchange
• A Christmas quiz
• A Christmas scavenger hunt

Our DIY venue provides you with the flexibility to choose your own suppliers and bring your own decorations to decorate our large 100-person events space, otherwise known as the Brackendale Room. Read our 12 ideas for Christmas team building activities blog for more inspiration.

Decide on the number of guests and consider whether your Christmas social is for employees only, or if plus-ones are allowed. This will be your guest list for the event. Once the list is finalised, send out invitations well in advance to give people plenty of time to respond. 

Digital invitations via email or event planning platforms like Eventbrite for larger companies and teams work well, but you can also opt for traditional paper invitations for a festive touch. Ensure your invitations include:

• ​Date and time
• Venue details
• Dress code (if applicable)
• RSVP deadline
  
• Any additional (e.g. gift exchange participation, dietary requirements etc)

Food and drinks play a major role in creating a festive atmosphere at a Christmas party. Whether you prefer a sit-down meal prepared onsite by a private chef, self-serve meals, buffets, or a selection of canapés and drinks, ensuring a variety of options to suit all guests is key. At Knockerdown, you have the flexibility to bring in your own catering suppliers or work with our in-house team at My Peak Event.

As part of our venue hire, we also offer onsite accommodation, making it easy for guests to stay overnight, great for teams coming together from all over the UK and abroad. You could also organise a breakfast for the morning after, either in the large events spaces as a group meal, or to be delivered to the doorsteps of the cottages.

The right entertainment can take your Christmas party to the next level. Depending on your budget and theme, consider hiring a live band, a DJ, or a comedian. If you're on a tighter budget, create a Christmas playlist filled with festive favourites and party classics. 

A mix of Christmas hits and upbeat racks will keep the energy high and the dance floor busy! Our venue provides excellent acoustics and space for live performances or a DJ setup, ensuring your entertainment runs smoothly.

Transform your venue into a winter wonderland with Christmas decorations. Some decoration ideas include:

• ​Fairy lights hung from the ceiling of the large events space
• Christmas trees with ornaments
• Festive table centrepieces
• Snowflake and tinsel garlands
• Themed photo booth with props

Our venue allows for flexible decor arrangements, giving you the freedom to personalise the space according to your chosen theme.

A Secret Santa can be a fun addition to your party. If you decide to include one, set a budget and communicate the rules clearly to participants. Encourage creative and humorous gifts to keep the exchange light-hearted and entertaining.

One of the best things about hosting your Christmas party at Knockerdown is the fantastic location. During your stay, guests can take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and nearby attractions, including but not limited to:

• ​Knockerdown Inn Pub - Just across the road, and easily accessed via our secret gate, it's a great spot for pre-party drinks or a relaxed wind-down after the main event
• Carsington Water Reservoir - Just a five-minute walk away, this scenic spot is perfect for group walks and everything you need for a day out. There is a visitor centre featuring several shops, café, and the Mainsail Restaurant, serving great food with views over the water
• Peak District National Park - Right on our doorstep, offering picturesque views and breathtaking landscapes, walking trails, and cycling routes. Guests can hire bikes locally or bring their own, with our onsite cycle storage and maintenance facilities

Hiring a professional photographer or setting up a DIY photo booth can be a great way to capture the fun moments of your Christmas party. Encourage guests to take photos and share them on a designated company hashtag or group chat. These photos can later be used in company newsletters, social media posts, or for fond memories in the office.

A successful Christmas party is the result of teamwork and effort. After the event, take the time to thank everyone who contributed to its success. This includes colleagues who helped organise the event, external suppliers and entertainers, as well as all attendees.

Lastly, don't forget to enjoy the event yourself! After all the planning and organising, take the time to relax, socialise, and have fun with your colleagues. A Christmas party is not just about celebrating the season - it's also a great opportunity to bond with your team and create lasting memories.

By following these tips, you can plan a Christmas party that is both fun and enjoyable for everyone. Stay organised, be flexible, and most importantly, enjoy the process. With careful planning, your work Christmas party will be a highlight of the year!

Ready to start planning your unforgettable work Christmas social? Knockerdown's Corporate Venue provides the perfect setting for your festive celebration, complete with excellent facilities, catering options, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Don't wait too long - venues fill up fast during the festive season! Enquire now to secure your date and begin creating an amazing Christmas celebration for your team.