Tips for Planning the Perfect Christmas Event

Tips for Planning the Perfect Christmas Event

The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and a sense of togetherness! On the flip side it can also be stressful for employees trying to reach targets, process accounts, get projects over the line and work towards achieving organisational goals by year end.

Planning the perfect Christmas celebration to reward everyone for their hard work can bring on its own stresses but it can also be a delightful experience if you approach it with the right mindset and a solid plan. 

Here are some tips to help you create an unforgettable Christmas celebration!

1. Start Early

Begin your planning well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Early preparation allows you to book the best venue, hire top-notch suppliers, and ensure that all your guests can prioritise their diary. 

Aim to start planning at least three to six months before. Venues quickly fill up on in-demand dates. Don’t panic if you feel overwhelmed and you’re unsure where to start – reach out to us as we have a plethora of venue options still available.

2. Set a Budget

Determine how much the company is willing to spend and stick to it. Consider all aspects of the event, including venue, catering, decorations, entertainment, and gifts. Having a clear budget helps you make informed decisions and avoid overspending.

3. Choose a Theme

A theme can add a fun element and offers a talking point within your team, before, during and after the event. Whether it’s a traditional Christmas, a winter wonderland, a movie theme or even your favourite Christmas colour, a theme helps guide your decorations, entertainment, invitations, and the menu!

4. Select the Perfect Venue

The venue sets the tone for your event. Choose a location that fits your theme and can comfortably accommodate the guest list. Consider location carefully – accessibility, parking, and how will people get home afterwards are all key considerations. 

Many venues offer special Christmas packages that include food, drinks, and entertainment. These can be a great way to simplify planning and ensure a memorable event.

5. Plan the Menu

Food is a central part of any celebration. Decide whether you want a sit-down dinner, sharing plates, a buffet, or a cocktail party with finger food. Make sure to cater to different dietary needs and preferences. There are so many more options now for vegetarians, vegan and other diets. The majority of chefs in the venues we work with are open to designing a bespoke menu to suit your preferences..

6. Send Out Invitations ASAP

As soon as you have your venue confirmed, send out a Save the Date invitation. Digital invitations are convenient and eco-friendly, but traditional paper invites can add a personal touch. Make sure to include all necessary details and request RSVPs to get an accurate headcount.

7. Decorate with Flair

Decorations bring the Christmas spirit to life. Use your theme to guide your choices. Handwritten place cards, personalised gifts for guests, or a slideshow of memories showing achievements during the year will all add to that feeling of gratitude.  Lights, ornaments, wreaths, and table centrepieces will transform your venue into a festive wonderland. We work closely with some fabulous suppliers in AV and design who are creative, flexible and will make your vision a reality.

8. Plan Entertainment

Keep your guests entertained with a mix of activities. Consider hiring a DJ or a live band, setting up a photo booth, or organising fun and inclusive games. You can have it as a focal point or subtle in the background. Well-planned entertainment keeps the energy high and ensures everyone has a great time.

9. Prepare for the Unexpected

Despite the best planning, unexpected issues can arise. Have a backup plan for key elements like outdoor activities, and keep a list of emergency contacts for your vendors. Being prepared helps you handle any surprises with ease.

10. Enjoy the Moment

Finally, remember to enjoy the event yourself. You’ve put in a lot of effort to make it perfect, so take the time to relax and celebrate – it’s your Christmas party too!

We look forward to helping you plan a Christmas event that is both magical and memorable – get in touch if you need our help in any way!

p.s Did you know we also help source Christmas gift vouchers for employees? Reach out if you need some ideas!

Miss Jones Ireland’s Winter Fair – The Highlights

 

Miss Jones Ireland’s Winter Fair was held on Thursday, 19th September at the elegant Iveagh Garden Hotel in Dublin. 

The event was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of EAs, PAs and corporate event bookers, responsible for booking venues and suppliers for their organisations.

The Iveagh Garden Hotel provided a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for learning, networking and showcasing our top venues and suppliers!

Guests enjoyed a variety of entertainment, including a fun Retro Mirror thanks to Photobooth Ireland, interactive magic with illusionist The Black Gambit, and engaging presentations from our Headline Sponsors – Iveagh Garden Hotel, Virginia Park Lodge and Press Up Hospitality Group.

Attendees had the chance to win fantastic prizes, including overnight stays in luxury properties, vouchers, exclusive gifts and an Aer Lingus Flight voucher worth over €500!

Nibbles and drinks were served throughout the evening and each guest received thoughtfully curated goody bags filled with treats and promotional items from our partners.

 

 

The event featured an impressive lineup of our top venues and suppliers, including:

  • Virginia Park Lodge Limited
  • Press Up Hospitality Group
  • Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort
  • The Johnstown Estate
  • The Merrion Hotel, Dublin
  • The Dean Hotel Group
  • Teeling Whiskey Distillery
  • The iNUA Collection
  • The g Hotel & Spa
  • Galgorm Collection
  • Suesey Street
  • NolaClan
  • No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place
  • Valence Hospitality and Winding Stair Group
  • Hayfield Family Collection
  • Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley
  • Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
  • Iveagh Garden Hotel
  • Castlemartyr Resort
  • Visit Belfast
  • Neville Hotels
  • Photobooth Ireland
  • The Black Gambit

 

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to connect with top venues and suppliers, and they left the event with a wealth of new options for their future bookings.

 

Thank you for the invitation to your event last night, and it was a great opportunity for me to meet many suppliers and networking!!!

Hiroko, EA, Dublin

 

I just wanted to reach out to you both and say what a wonderful event you hosted last night.  I got a lot of information that I can share and look at for future bookings.

It is an amazing event to get to know the vendors and get more ideas.  Loved the host venue and didn’t know it was even there. 

Catherine, EA, Dublin

 

Just wanted to say a big thank you to you & the Miss Jones Ireland team for a fantastic night last night at the Winter Fair!

It was a really great event and brilliant to be able to meet so many venues under the one roof, I look forward to attending future events!

Jennifer, Office Manager, Dublin

 

Thank you so much for last night – the evening was impeccably organised, featuring incredible vendors, and the cherry on top was winning a delightful voucher – I absolutely loved it and I have not stopped talking about your company to my colleagues.

Nawel, Consultant, Dublin

 

Massive congratulations on a very successful event, I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and found it very helpful to have so many businesses under the one roof.

Edel, EA, Dublin

 

 

Miss Jones Ireland’s Winter Fair was a memorable and valuable event for all who attended. We look forward to hosting more such events in the future and continuing to provide exceptional networking opportunities for our community.

We can’t wait to welcome you to our Spring Fair 2025!