How to Host a COVID Friendly Christmas Party
The Christmas party is looking quite different in this ‘new normal’ era and just like everything else, we now need to adapt to current guidelines and continue to plan COVID friendly parties. But no matter what may be announced next, we’ve pulled together a few of our favourite unique Christmas party ideas we’ve picked up in our many years of private party catering.
Abide by guidelines
You’d be forgiven for not being able to keep up with the ever-changing laws and guidelines but it’s vitally important when beginning to think about your party ideas that you are completely informed and COVID friendly with the current laws. If not, you risk putting your guests in an uncomfortable situation, as well as risking a hefty fine.
Hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes may not be the usual Christmas party props but don’t forget to plan them into your festive gathering. Keep up to date with the guidelines and have a backup plan if restrictions become stricter, a virtual option will always be a good alternative to overcome lockdown rules.
Allow for social distancing
One of the most important things to now consider when planning a Christmas party is how many people you can legally get together. If the rule of six applies, this may mean celebrating in smaller groups or even virtually. Is there a curfew? This could apply to private gatherings and is another thing to consider when thinking about your party ideas. Private caterers will be able to discuss party ideas based on the must current social distancing guidelines.
Set the date
Set the date for your party with plenty of notice. The best caterers and venues can be booked up months in advance for the festive season and with restrictions, planning in advance is even more important. Think about the timings, some great unique Christmas party ideas that involve daytime activities. This will allow for a lot more time to celebrate and make up for lost time!
Ask about dietary requirements
Make sure you consider all of your guests when planning for your Christmas party and establish if you need to cater for any allergies or particular dietary requirements. You will need to give caterers plenty of notice so they can create a menu that pleases the entire party and you also need to make sure if there are any foods you should avoid. Ask your guests about any special requirements when you first begin to plan your work party ideas.
Book catering
Party catering can be a great way to take the stress out of organising a Christmas party no matter what size your group is. Caterers can create unique Christmas party ideas to fit with your budget and brief and can be surprisingly affordable when you consider the cost of everything that is needed to put on a seasonal spread for your celebrations. As well as providing party catering we also hold parties at our South London Social Pantry cafés and are always happy to discuss ways in which we can bring our plethora of unique Christmas party ideas to life!
Choose a theme
Picking a theme is a brilliant place to start when thinking about unique Christmas party ideas and can be a great way to bring something different to your festive get-together. Whether it’s traditional tacky, tasteful, or chic, themes can make your party feel a lot more special than the usual after-work drinks and will make sure it differs from the previous parties from years before.
Plan some games
Christmas party games can be a great way to break the ice if you’re bringing together colleagues that may not know each other or who work remotely. Party games can also be fun work party ideas to make sure that the business chat is left in the office and people are able to let their hair down.
Virtual Christmas party ideas
If your usual Christmas get-together is not possible this year due to local lockdowns and government measures, then a virtual gathering can be equally as fun! Personal packages with booze and food can ensure that the whole group can enjoy the party together from the comfort of their own homes and is still COVID friendly. Private caterers can put together a package that can be delivered to the door and there are also plenty of activities guests can take part in collectively through the power of zoom! From virtual gingerbread decorating, to wine and cheese tasting, private party catering services have had to adapt to the new way in which we now do dinner parties and gatherings and will be able to advise on activities they’re able to deliver for the virtual events!
Zoom secret Santa
A Christmas party would not be complete without everyone’s favourite Secret Santa and just because you may not be able to celebrate in real life this year doesn’t mean the tradition should be forgotten! Set the budget, use an online generator and give people plenty of time to get their gifts in the post. Another option to save the hassle of parcels in the post would be to create an email-only rule. Vouchers and experiences that can be sent to an email account rather than through the post is an easy option if Secret Santa is via zoom this year.
This year we have worked hard to make sure all of our services are compliant and COVID friendly with government guidelines to keep all of our customers safe. So please get in touch or make an enquiry if you would like to discuss your party ideas to make sure your it is one to remember!