TABLE OF CONTENTS:
The Christmas party is a special moment of the year for every company: an opportunity to celebrate achievements and bring teams closer together. If you're in charge of organising this event, you might have questions such as how to coordinate transportation or choose the right menu.
Here, you'll find answers to the most important questions to help you plan an unforgettable Christmas party.
Planning a successful corporate Christmas party starts early. It's recommended to begin about two to three months in advance. This allows enough time to choose a menu and accommodate special requests. If you need a venue, booking up to a year in advance may be necessary in some cities.
Date: Choose a date that doesn’t conflict with employees’ plans. Many companies opt for early December to avoid the peak holiday rush.
Budget: Define the budget early to allocate costs for food, drinks, transportation, and extras.
Event Style: Decide if the event will be formal, casual, or a mix of both, as this influences the choice of venue and dress code.
A well-crafted invitation is the first step to building anticipation for the Christmas party. It ensures that all employees receive the essential details.
Event Details: Clearly state the date, time, and location.
Dress Code: Indicate if a specific dress code is expected, so everyone is appropriately dressed.
Transportation: Provide details about travel arrangements and costs. If you want to offer transport between the office and the venueor ensure safe travel home, consider professional services like FREENOW for Business.
Selecting a suitable menu can be challenging, as employees may have individual preferences or dietary restrictions. Whether it’s allergies, vegetarian, or vegan needs, it’s important to provide inclusive options.
Tips for an inclusive menu:
Gather Preferences: Create a survey beforehand for employees to specify their needs and restrictions.
Offer Variety: Provide gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, and consider common allergies like nuts or seafood.
Drinks and Desserts: Include non-alcoholic drinks and a range of desserts to suit different tastes.
A well-thought-out menu ensures everyone feels welcome and enjoys the meal.
The outfit for the Christmas party depends on the type of event and company culture. Business casual is often the standard, but creative themed parties with quirky outfits can also be a hit.
Formal: Suits and cocktail dresses for elegant restaurants or upscale venues.
Business Casual: Polished yet relaxed outfits for casual yet professional gatherings.
Themes: The possibilities for themed parties are endless, from “Roaring 20s” to “Polar Expedition,” “Gold & Glitter,” or an “Ugly Sweater Contest.”
Transportation is a key consideration, especially if the venue is difficult to reach. Late-night events can make public transport impractical.
To ensure stress-free travel for employees, consider organising transportation. FREENOW for Business offers flexible and secure mobility solutions for events, ensuring your team can relax and enjoy the evening.
Benefits of FREENOW:
Cost Control: Centralised billing eliminates the need for employees to pay upfront.
Safe Travel: Employees can enjoy the party without worrying about their journey home.
Sustainability: Choose eco-friendly options like electric fleets for a more sustainable celebration.
Christmas parties, like other company outings, are covered by statutory accident insurance. This means any accidents during the event are considered work-related incidents. However, this may differ if the party is only for a select group. In most cases, Christmas parties are still classified as company events and are insured.
It’s important to fulfill your duty of care as an employer.
Yes, under certain conditions, the costs of the Christmas party can be tax-deductible. Corporate events often qualify as business expenses, provided they serve a legitimate business purpose, such as fostering team spirit or maintaining employee motivation.
Key points to consider:
Accessibility: The party must be open to all employees to qualify as a company event.
Exemption Limit: The tax-free allowance for corporate events is £150 per person, per year (UK). Costs exceeding this amount, including venue rental, catering, decorations, and transportation, are subject to tax. Travel expenses from other office locations may not be included in the calculation.
Taxi Costs: Under specific circumstances, taxi costs may also be deductible, such as for health reasons or lack of other transportation options.
Organising a Christmas party or holiday dinner is a wonderful opportunity to end the year on a high note. With these tips and careful planning, your celebration is sure to be a success. Now it’s time to raise a toast and enjoy the moment – here’s to many more shared successes!
