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Planning a Memorable Christmas Party IN PORTSMOUTH Your Team and Leadership Will Love

Nils James our Hospitality Manager advises on planning your work Christmas Party, as featured in Hampshire Business Voice Magazine.

The annual Christmas party is more than just a festive tradition—it's an opportunity to show appreciation for your team, celebrate the year’s achievements, and strengthen workplace relationships in a relaxed setting. With thoughtful planning, you can make your Christmas party truly special. While easy access and delicious food are essentials, incorporating creative touches can elevate the experience and help your team feel valued, which in turn helps with retention and productivity.

Choose an Accessible Venue 

One of the first steps in planning a great Christmas party is selecting a location that’s convenient for everyone. Whether you host the event at your office, a nearby restaurant, or a rented venue, ensure it’s well-connected to public transport and offers sufficient parking. Take into account the needs of employees who rely on public transit or require wheelchair or step-free access. Consider a hotel venue where those travelling from farther away can stay overnight afterwards.

Our hotel is just a few minutes walk from a taxi rank, Portsmouth Harbour train station, the Hard Bus station and the Gosport Ferry, making is extremely east for transport links, across Portsmouth and the whole of Hampshire.

If your team is hybrid or remote, choose a central location, or consider providing travel expenses to make the event more inclusive.

Serve Delicious, Inclusive Food 

Food is the heart of any celebration. Whether you opt for a sit-down meal or a casual buffet, ensure that the food is high-quality and caters to a range of dietary needs. This means offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and allergy-conscious options, depending on your team’s requirements. A simple survey beforehand can help identify any special requests.

Interactive food options, such as a build-your-own taco bar, dessert stations, or a hot chocolate corner, can add a fun element and serve as an icebreaker.

Add a Personal Touch 

Personal touches can transform a standard event into something memorable. Simple gestures like personalised place cards, thank-you notes from managers, or a short video recapping team highlights from the year can make a difference. Recognising individual and team accomplishments through a lighthearted awards ceremony or presentation adds to the sense of achievement and can boost morale and foster a sense of pride and belonging.

Entertainment and Activities 

While mingling is important, having structured entertainment can help break the ice, especially for newer team members. Consider options like: 

- A DJ or live band (we recommend The Spoils Collective and Hampshire DJs) 

- A cocktails or mocktails masterclass 

- A karaoke setup 

- A photo booth with festive props 

- Christmas-themed trivia or games 

- A Secret Santa gift exchange (with a set price limit) 

- A donation station for toys or food for a local charity 

You don’t need a big budget to have fun! Even simple games like “Guess the Baby Photo” (where team members submit childhood pictures) or “Christmas Bingo” can bring lots of laughter.

Create a Festive Atmosphere 

Set the mood with warm, festive decorations. Twinkling lights, candles, greenery, and huge Christmas tree, and classic Christmas tunes can create an inviting atmosphere. 

Give a Thoughtful Gift

A small gesture can go a long way. Whether it's a bonus, a gift card, or a handpicked present, showing appreciation with something thoughtful is important. Consider allowing employees to choose from a selection of curated gifts or donating to a charity on their behalf—this option aligns with many companies' values and can feel especially meaningful during the giving season.

Timing and Flexibility 

Be mindful of when you hold the party. A weekday evening might be perfect for some, but burdensome for others. Consider hosting it during work hours or offering flexibility the next day, such as a late start. The key is to make the event feel like a reward, not an obligation.

Happy Holidays!