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Christmas event
October 1, 2024
Hicham Abboub

How to organize an unforgettable Christmas party: a complete guide to a successful event

Christmas is a unique opportunity to bring colleagues, friends, and families together to celebrate the end of the year. Whether it's a professional evening or between loved ones, careful organization can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories. Here is a comprehensive guide to planning an unforgettable Christmas party.

1. Choosing the ideal location

The location is one of the most crucial elements in ensuring the success of your event. Remember to book as early as possible, especially if you are organizing your party in December, which is a very popular time of year. Opt for a place that is accessible for all your guests, with an adequate capacity and an atmosphere in accordance with the chosen Christmas theme. According to a study, more than 70% of businesses book their room at least 3 months in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Depending on your city, the offer of places may be more or less important. However, do not forget that a place can be a restaurant, a reception room but also an art gallery, a private apartment, a rooftop or even other unusual places. At H.stories we like challenges and we very often completely transform a space that, for an evening, can become an amusement park or even a cabinet of curiosities.

2. Buffet or sit-down dinner: which format should you choose?

The format of the evening should be determined according to your budget and the type of event you want. For some, a seated dinner provides a formal and elegant touch, while a buffet promotes a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere. According to a survey, 58% of guests prefer the buffet format for its flexibility, but a seated dinner is often preferred for formal corporate events. It is obvious that the budget will be different if you prefer a seated dinner, however, to decide with the sometimes too formal side, it is possible to offer culinary activities and to sequence the dinner with breaks and entertainment. It is also important to consider offering alternatives for specific diets (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.).

3. Christmas theme: make the evening unique

A well-chosen theme can turn a simple evening into a memorable event. Opt for original themes like “Christmas Scandinavia” with white tones and refined decorations, or “Vintage Christmas” with a retro atmosphere and antique objects. For a more fun theme, “Christmas in pajamas” can get your guests to come dressed comfortably while maintaining the festive spirit. Remember to adapt the decorations, animations, and even the menu to the selected theme.

4. Animations and musical atmosphere

Entertainment is essential to ensure a festive atmosphere throughout the evening. Consider hiring a DJ or live band to boost the party, or creating a special Christmas playlist if you're on a tighter budget. At the same time, offer interactive activities such as cartoonists, magic shows, or workshops for children, such as making cookies or Christmas decorations. A Christmas tree for families with children is also a great option for businesses. According to the feedback, more than 80% of the participants remember above all the music and entertainment during a successful Christmas evening. H.stories organized several Christmases for the house Louis Vuitton but also individuals in France and abroad.

5. Manage the budget and set the admission price

Planning a successful Christmas party requires good budget management. Here is an example of distribution for a party of 100 people:

  • Location : 40% of the budget
  • Catering (buffet or sit-down dinner) : 30%
  • Animations : 15%
  • Decoration and theme : 10%
  • Various and unexpected : 5% For a company evening, it is often advisable to set an admission price that partially covers the costs, depending on the number of expected guests.

6. Promote your event effectively

Good communication is the key to ensuring a high level of participation in your evening. Use or not social networks to share the event, create excitement, and recall practical details. At the same time, sending personalized emails or digital invitation cards can be of particular interest to your guests. Remember to recall the event several times, especially as the date approaches.

7. Interactive and inclusive activities

To make your evening memorable, consider offering activities that will engage all of your guests. Group games such as a Christmas costume contest or interactive quizzes help break the ice and promote team spirit. In addition, ensure that the event is inclusive by offering menus adapted to diverse dietary preferences and taking into account families with children. For example, organizing a gift hunt for younger children is a simple and effective way to include them in the party. Also, keep in mind the personalized side of the event: what message do we want to get across? Do you want to strengthen team spirit and congratulate your employees? or rather create a new dynamic? The importance of an agency like H.stories is crucial here to define the strategy of your event. An event is an opportunity to meet but also to get important messages across within your company. For nearly 10 years we have been organizing internal events for many large companies, Louis Vuitton, LVMH, Kenzo, with attention to every detail, from welcoming guests to leaving with the right gift for the right message.

8. Thank your guests and follow up

Once the evening is over, it is important to stay in touch with your guests to maintain the positive spirit generated during the event. Send a thank-you email with some photos from the evening, and why not a quick survey to find out what they liked the most. It can also help you improve future editions. Sharing memories on social networks also makes it possible to extend the festive experience.

Conclusion: The latest tips for a stress-free party

In summary, organizing an unforgettable Christmas party requires good organization, careful attention to detail and above all, forethought to avoid last-minute surprises. By planning each step and offering your guests a unique and interactive experience, you are sure to make an impression for the holidays to come.

Don't waste any more time, contact us to discuss your next project at contact@hstories.fr and let's write your next hit together.

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