Top Tips for Planning Your Christmas Do

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christmas-shopping

London has lots of great places perfect for hosting a Christmas party, but we all know how tricky it can be to get everything just right. From large events to more intimate parties for just a few guests, you’ll soon be on your way to hosting a fantastic Christmas bash In this blog, we’ll take a quick look at some top tips for making a success of your next festive do…

Search for venues early

Christmas Presents

Deciding where to host your Christmas party is likely to be at the forefront of your plans, but it’s important to start the search as early as possible. There are many reasons why this is so essential, but most prominently, it’s crucial to remember there’ll be plenty of competition for your favourite venues.

Christmas is a particularly busy time of year for parties, so start whittling down a shortlist as soon as you can. Beginning with a simple Google search will help you get a feel for the places which appeal, before subsequently narrowing down your options.

Decide on key criteria

While some venues might look incredible on paper, do they really match your requirements? This can be established quickly by settling on a few key criteria which you simply can’t be without. These criteria could include everything from the way the venue looks to its facilities, or even the capacity it can hold for your party.  Make a list of the things you really need, and begin questioning venues on whether they can accommodate you. Some parties will work perfectly well with a simple event space, while others need added extras, like the option of a spa day with afternoon tea, to help upgrade the experience.

Set a theme

carnaby-st-christmas

The theme of a Christmas do might seem obvious – after all, it’s Christmas! However, this is actually a little more complicated. Do you want a simple festive theme, or are you considering something a little more lavish or unexpected? The theme you have in mind will help shape everything from the venue to the guest list, so decide this aspect as quickly and as clearly as possible.

Establish your budget

Even the best plans can go awry if you find yourself going over budget, so decide how much you’re willing to pay at the outset. This needn’t rule out your favourite space or your dream party plan, as some of the best spa hotels in London offer a variety of different deals which will help you make your money go further – without sacrificing the experience.

See venues in person

christmas market

Before you make a final decision on where to host the party, try and visit as many of the spaces on your shortlist in person. Whether you’re establishing a discussion with a party planner (which we advise), or simply want to go and see the space in a way which you simply can’t from photographs, take along a few questions to ask the staff and take your own photos. Don’t simply visit, but visit at the approximate time you intend to host your party, for a good idea of the ambiance and atmosphere you can expect on the night of the event itself.

If you live far away, make the most of Montcalm spa deals and enjoy a luxurious trip, instead of simply focusing on the practicalities of your upcoming party.

Set the date

Another of the most important factors in any party plan, is knowing when you will be hosting it. Everyone tends to be very busy over the festive season, so this will prove crucial when establishing whether certain people can even attend! Choose a relaxed time to decide on the date; book yourself a trip to the Spa at The Montcalm with a few close friends or family members, and have a discussion about it during your stay.  If you’re hosting a small party, then you may be able to quickly establish which date will work the best for your attendees, simply by asking. For larger parties, things may get a little more complicated, which is why it is so essential to send out formal invitations.

Ask for an RSVP

As we have just established, you need to know who will be at your party. For sit-down dinners, the venue you’ve booked needs to know how many people will be in attendance so they can plan and cook; for larger parties, you need to be sure you are not booking so many people the venue can’t cope. Whether via e-mail, or a postal invitation – ask for your guests to RSVP.

We recommend sending out digital invitations wherever possible, as this means there is less hassle for guests in responding to your request. Anything which makes things easier for the people you’re inviting is always advisable, and this also means you have a quickly accessible, digital copy of their response.

Think outside the box

Why stick to the same, tried and tested venues and party plans? Instead, think outside the box! There are almost limitless ideas which can be tried, and some of the city’s best spaces such as top Marble Arch hotels will be more than happy to help you make your Christmas party dreams a reality. Don’t feel you have to stick to the same ideas as many other festive celebrations, as this is the perfect time of year to try something different.

Go DIY

If you want to get more involved in your Christmas party, then check with your chosen venue whether you can add some DIY flair to the event! Centrepieces, catering, even asking guests to bring their favourite food and drink – all of these options can help to bring people together in a way which more lavish, pre-organised options don’t necessarily allow. If you’re not feeling particularly crafty, then work with a venue which will happily accommodate your plans.