Ho ho ho! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and after the two years we've had, we need a bit of festive cheer more than ever! But with uncertainty surrounding this year’s festive season, Christmas spirits may be feeling a bit dampened...
Of course, we all want to toast our teams' hard work, but if you're wary of bringing the whole company together in-person, you'll just have to bring the champagne to them instead! To 'elf you out, we've put together a selection of virtual Christmas party experiences to suit any team (ranging from wreath-making to horse racing!) so that you don't have to cancel the celebrations altogether.
With all that in mind, here are 5 tips for booking this year’s online Christmas party, from nailing the entertainment, to finding a date that works.
1. Save the date picking till last
In the last-minute rush of the last couple of weeks, competition for virtual Christmas party dates has picked up sharply. Many dates have sold out already, while some virtual activity suppliers are already fully booked! Our top tip is to pick your experience first and be flexible on dates, or you could miss out on great options.
To make sure you're not left empty-handed, we'd recommend being open to hosting your event during the day (everyone loves a cheeky break from the office, anyway!) and considering non-exclusive options for your team's party. Which brings us onto...
2. Consider a shared party
Our Big Top shared Christmas parties are a great way to get guaranteed access to some of the best virtual suppliers and performers out there. Plus, with a guest list longer than Santa’s naughty list, the party atmosphere is going to be rife from the word go!
Every company gets a password-protected room to hang out in, chat and have a few drinks away from the hustle and bustle of the main event. Make yours the space to rival all others with a themed quiz or team challenge to get the party started! Then you'll have the opportunity to mingle (in a totally Covid-safe way) with others in hilarious, immersive rooms hosting anything from comedy to bingo, to celebrity performances.
Pricing ranges from £29-£34 per head depending on the size of your team.
3. Think outside the box
With virtual events, there's nothing holding you back from hosting a truly memorable, one-of-a-kind party, whether set in the frozen north, or up close and personal with the stars of Broadway. The usual programme of speeches just isn't going to cut it this time, when there's so much choice for a fun event!
Instead, use your imagination to make this festive season the best one to date. Search our database for the classiest, Christmassiest and wackiest options you can find. And don’t forget about those little touches – whether it’s a Christmas dress code, a celebrity guest appearance or a bottle of champagne for each attendee to enjoy.
4. Throw in some festive deliveries
Speaking of champagne, in a world of instant groceries, there's nothing to stop you from surprising your guests with delicious food and drinks delivered straight to their doors! Whether it's a box of sweet treats, build-your-own-burger-kit, or even a beer and cheese-tasting session, good food is guaranteed to get people feeling festive!
You could even arrange for the party to take the form of a class, with cocktail masterclasses, festive cookery sessions, and a chocolate truffle workshop on the menu! All of these packages can be arranged to be delivered in advance of your event, with a master host joining you at your party to share their culinary skills. Make sure you check delivery times when booking!
5. Consider January
Last Christmas, it might have been easier to coordinate a virtual party date that worked for all of your team, with everyone staying home. But this year, with mixed schedules and only a limited number of suppliers offering virtual Christmas options, it can be tricky to nail down a time that works for everyone this side of Christmas.
With many suppliers already completely booked up for the month of December, we're seeing many clients considering postponing the end of year celebration to January to be able to host a genuinely memorable and enjoyable Christmas bash. And what better way to kick off 2022 than with a party you can enjoy from the comfort of your dressing gown? Sounds like a cracking choice to us!
So, what are you waiting for? Follow our top 5 tips to get your virtual Christmas party off to a flying start. For more guidance and advice on how to plan unforgettable virtual events in the meantime, check out our Complete Guide To Virtual Events.
Author
Imogen Beech
With a love of interior design, Imogen’s writing experience has taken her from the mansions of the rich and famous to the capital’s most unique events spaces on Hire Space.
