20 Jan 2020
December is busy for everyone with Christmas parties in full force. In the events world, it is usually the busiest time of the year as we race towards the Christmas break and find ourselves surrounded by all things festive. By January, most people are usually fed up with any mention of Christmas - but every good event planner knows that it pays to think ahead. Many companies like to get a head start on their Christmas party booking before all the key dates go. In 2020, these are set to be the 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th December.
Christmas Parties at Royal Museums Greenwich
If you are an eager beaver and want to get a head start on Christmas 2020, here’s some key tips from Royal Museums Greenwich 2019’s season.
1 - Start Early!
Starting early really is the key to a successful Christmas party. By getting your date booked early, you secure not only the peak dates before they get snapped up by someone else - most people don’t like to party on a Monday – but also the key venues. We find that favourite venues like Cutty Sark are fully booked for December from early on in the year. Booking early also gives you a bit of breathing room on the planning which you can begin to look at in earnest by the summer but with minimal stress. You’ve got time to secure your favourite bands/DJs and many companies offer discounts for early-bird bookings!
2 – Ask about Decoration
Some companies want their Christmas parties to be fully decked out with holly, ivy, mistletoe, Christmas crackers and even a Father Christmas. Others prefer a more low key approach, where even a Christmas cracker is an unwanted addition. Ask the venue or the caterer what exactly is included in their Christmas package decoration wise. Are crackers included in the meal? Is it a traditional Christmas menu? Will there be a Christmas tree in situ or, if you want one, will you have to budget for this? Twilight Trees are a great addition if you want to add a touch of floral beauty (see picture)! Lighting in particular is one event addition that should always be budgeted for! It completely transforms a space and offers the chance for subtle branding and key messaging. Check out SLX’s masterpiece below, with the help of Smart Parties.
3 – Christmas Experiences
Many venues are able to offer experiences to really amp up the festive approach. Many companies are now looking for a team building aspect to their parties. For the first time ever, we had an ice rink erected outside Queen’s House and we plan to have this for the next five years. Christmas party clients can hire it out exclusively for large groups and add something really special to their evening. It also means we can accommodate smaller groups from just 5 people, giving the chance for them to enjoy some hospitality as well as do something Christmassy!
4 – Upgrade your Entertainment
Every Christmas party has a DJ or band and our entertainment suppliers have many of these to suit all tastes. However we spotted a real trend in 2019 of upgrading your entertainment. Many companies went simple, asking entertainment company Sternberg Clarke to add live performers like a saxophonist or violinist to the DJ which guests absolutely love! Interactive and brandable stations, like those of Smith and Sinclair, offer the Instagram generation a chance to put your company name at the heart of the festivities – plus it’s a lot of fun! Aerial artists or dance troupes like Beyond Repair Dance are a great addition to any party with that added WOW factor!
If we’ve got you all ready for Christmas again, get in contact now to secure your chosen date and let us help you make 2020 your best Christmas party yet. Call the Events Team at Royal Museums Greenwich today on 0208 312 8517. events@rmg.co.uk