Christmas is a magical time, so your venue needs to be just as magical. The venue you choose signals what type of Christmas party you are planning for your guests! 

In this blog post, the Black Book venue sourcing team will give you some inspiring tips on selecting the perfect venue for your next corporate Christmas event!  

When it comes to corporate Christmas parties, it is all about fun and laughter.  They are also an excellent way to encourage better communication, often breaking down barriers with senior management. 

But, as much as the atmosphere is an important feature, safety and security should always be a top priority when planning any corporate event, especially when organising a Christmas party.  

So, by taking some simple precautions, you can ensure that your employees and team members have a safe and enjoyable time at the event: 

• When selecting the venue, make sure that they have a security plan in place and that the staff can handle any situation that may arise; 
• Keep in mind the number of guests you expect and check the venue’s maximum capacity. Remember that you want people to be able to move comfortably and freely around the venue, including the caterers and the entertainers; 
• Depending on the event’s schedule, make sure that your venue is suitable for the activities and entertainment you have included in the event’s programme (e.g., if you are planning a team-building activity, make sure you have plenty of free space and no hazards). 
  There should be enough space for people to let loose on the dance while others enjoy a cocktail. 

Most employees get very excited at the thought of the company’s Christmas party, as it is a great way of being recognised, by the company, for all the hard work and dedication. But no one wants to feel like the journey is a slog. 

So, whether you are planning the corporate Christmas party in the company’s city or a different country, the event venue needs to be in a convenient and easily accessible location: 

• Does the venue offer a car park or valet parking? 
• Does public transportation serve the venue?  
  If not, is there a shuttle service to the main public transport hubs? 

You must make things as simple as possible for your guests to reach the venue. If the location is too far of a drive or is not served by public transport, you may end up with fewer participants. 

If you are trying to instill that festive cheer, then the décor and entertainment play a massive role. You will want to ensure that the venue is in line with the style and ambiance you have in mind for your event (and that it fits your budget!).  

An event venue wonderfully decorated will undoubtedly get everyone into the Christmas spirit! Therefore, ensure that there is enough room for unique decorations, festive lights, fake snow, and, of course, a Christmas tree. The more Christmassy, the better! 

You also want to ensure that the venue has a good in-house production or that they will allow you to use your own production team. Whether you choose a live band, DJ, or even just a great sound system for playing Christmas carols or for some festive karaoke, make sure it gets everyone in the party mood! 

Together with the caterer, and depending on the event’s layout, choose the menu appropriately. If you are opting for a standing reception, make sure that the menu includes things that are simple to eat and hold. 

So, when selecting the venue, don’t forget to check the catering. Make sure that they are able to handle menu variations to cater to all dietary requirements (allergies, intolerances, etc.) Also, work with the venue to ensure that there is no food waste, explore their sustainability policy, how they source the food, and can the local community be supported with leftovers. Christmas is also a time for giving back. 

Now that you have selected the perfect venue for your dreamy corporate Christmas party book it! It is party season, and everyone is out there looking for the best venue for their Christmas event. So, do not wait too long and secure your venue with a deposit to ensure you are in the first place. 

Corporate Christmas parties are a great occasion to celebrate the year and spend time with colleagues and friends. Still, if not planned carefully, they can also be a significant drain on company resources. So, leave the stress behind and contact Black Book. We will organise a night that everyone will remember for the coming year!