Christmas season is fast approaching so let the fun and festivities begin!!

So you’re the one in charge of organising your office Christmas party but you’re unsure where to start? Be safe in the knowledge that you’re not alone. Your office Christmas party is usually an event all your colleagues are looking forward to so here are my tips on how to create a party that will not disappoint!

It’s never too early..

The last thing you need in December is the stress of planning a last-minute Christmas Party as well as keeping on top of your day job. It’s never too early to start planning, the earlier you get organised the more options you will have. 

Pick a date…

Firstly, it is always a great idea to get a date locked in everyone’s diary. Having a date sorted as early as possible gives people a chance to plan around the event rather than trying to squeeze it in alongside other Christmas festivities. If you plan early enough then you are more likely to have a great turnout!

Agree a budget …

The next important step is to agree a budget with the powers that be. You may have some amazing and outrageous plans all for them to be blown out the window so it’s a good idea to keep your ideas on the down low until your budget has been signed off to avoid disappointment.

Choose a theme…

It is important to categorise/set a theme for your Christmas party.  You need to consider your audience mix…consider male / female ratio, age of your guests and the general culture of your company.

Do you want to focus on the food, the booze, the venue or the dancing? Deciding what type of Christmas party you want to throw is also really helpful when selecting a venue. There are lots of different options to choose from but with many event companies out there offering assistance, it can take away lots of the hard work. Some smaller companies opt for a shared Christmas party which is a great and cost-effective way put on a high quality do and it also gives you a chance to network with other companies, whilst other prefer something a bit more private. Both options work really well, it's totally a matter of preference.

Select your venue…

As well as having your date locked in early it’s important to source your venue. Christmas is the busiest time of year for many London venues so putting feelers out in August even though that may seem ridiculous, it’s not! Booking your venue early gives you the widest choice rather than what’s left available. Check out some of my favourite London venues that would be perfect for Christmas parties.

Entertain your guests…

Now you just need to choose the perfect Christmas party entertainment to complete the celebrations! Having performed at hundreds of Christmas parties throughout my career as a corporate magician, I can tell you first-hand how well it works to bring something a little different into the mix. It’s hard not to get snowed under with so many options out there, so I have compiled a list of ideas sure to get everyone into the festive spirit!

Pre-dinner entertainment:

• Photo backdrop

• Celebrity meet and greet

• Roaming artists: magicians (of course!), mind-readers, pickpockets, roaming band

• Background music: DJ, jazz band, pianist

• Interactive games: Fun fair games, quiz

During Dinner entertainment:

• Roaming artists - approach tables in between the dinner’s courses and perform for the guests creating a talking point and bringing something a little different

• Cabaret Show – a live cabaret can be one of the best ways to entertain a large group throughout the celebration meal

• Live music - themed bands, acoustic, singers with backing tracks, tribute acts

Post dinner entertainment:

• Casino - combines well with a disco and your guests can play as and when they choose too

• Live party band/Disco – who doesn’t like dancing?

• Awards ceremony – this can be a great morale builder and is personal to your group, it’s also a great opportunity to recognise people in front of a larger crowd

• Stage show - can include dance, exciting stunts, circus acts, singing, comedy or magic

Book me for your Christmas party…around tables for Christmas dinners giving each group a private performance.

Magic and Christmas go hand in hand and December dates do get booked up very early! My close-up act can be performed at standing drinks receptions, Christmas Balls or around tables for Christmas dinners giving each group a private performance. My stage show is perfect for after dinner and pre-dinner entertainment, or can even be performed between the courses of a meal.

 To reserve me to dazzle your guests at your Christmas party, please contact Natalie on +44 (0) 20 7164 6542 or email her on  info@katherinemills.co.uk