PREPARING FOR THE HOLIDAY PARTY
HOW TO MANAGE THE BUSIEST SOCIAL SEASON OF THE YEAR

Oh the joys of the festive season! Decorating the tree, purchasing gifts, organizing vacations, preparing for the annual bash…and that's just in the office! It's a wonder that you have time to do it all, much less think about yourself and get your own personal affairs in order. The "holidays" can seem like more of a chore than a celebration.

Well, that's where your event planner/caterer can come in handy. Your event professional realizes that your time is precious, which is why during the busy times, they are able to help you with all your planning needs. If you are planning your annual office party, they can come into your office and create a different ambience. Alternatively, we can take you to an off-site venue that will allow your employees to unwind and enjoy each others' company away from the pressure of the computer, fax machine and telephone. Unfortunately, too few employers think about the Christmas party before the stores have the tinsel up, and this can lead to the best places being booked. Many venues book up a year prior, so you need to think about booking well in advance to avoid disappointment. But find yourself in a jam? Call your caterer, who will most likely be able to find you somewhere suitable. Keep in mind that the two weekends prior to the weekend before Christmas are the two main "holiday party" weekends, so finding suppliers will be difficult at the last minute.

There are benefits to planning early! You will be guaranteed service from your suppliers.
As December approaches, you will find it tricky to book staff, equipment rental and food and beverage service as suppliers will often be fully-booked. Note that many are booked on a first-come (and contracted), first-served basis. Once a caterer, for example, is fully booked for the day, they will regretfully have to refuse your event, to avoid jeopardizing your event and those who have already been contracted. You may be disappointed, but realize that this is done to protect all parties involved, including the reputation of the caterer. Also, when planning early, you can confirm all aspects of your event prior to the craziness of the season, and you can concentrate on other things, knowing that your event is confirmed. If you are looking for client gifts, giveaways and employee door-prizes, your caterer is often able to source suitable gifts on your behalf, which arrive gift-wrapped and ready to be given away by your company representative. You, as the planner, can simply arrive and enjoy the party! Décor elements, flowers, entertainment, lighting and beverage service can be arranged with ease. One thing that you may wish to do when printing your invitations is remind your guests about your corporate policy on responsible drinking, or offer taxi chits to your guests.

Holiday events at home can also be a breeze! That annual drop-in or cocktail party is a snap when catered. You don't have to spend the day/week in the kitchen preparing with your caterer on board! You can enjoy your socializing with your family and friends while servers meticulously set up, serve and clean up after your event, again allowing you, the host, to be part of your event. Your guests can see you at your best and you can catch up and socialize, without worrying about burning the turkey!

One way that businesses allow themselves to enjoy their annual party is to have it in the New Year. Certain businesses are too frantic during the holiday season to take time to have their parties, so instead they plan it for a time following the holidays, when they are more relaxed and able to enjoy themselves without having to get up early the next day (caterers included!) During the months of January and February, you may be able to get discounted rates from your suppliers as these are the more "off-season" times, and rates are not always at a premium, as in December.

But if you just have to plan your party at the last minute, your caterer will do their best for you! They may not be able to spend as much time as normal as they are busy executing events that have already been planned. If you call in December, bear in mind that the caterers are extremely pressed for time, so please have a definite idea of what you wish to do as well as a tentative budget for the caterer to work with. This will allow them to plan your event with precision, and get you the information you require as soon as possible. Please be aware that during these hectic times, you may have to wait a bit longer than expected, but never fear! Your caterer will do their utmost to accommodate you.

Happy Holidays!