— Dine's top tips to nail this year's Office Christmas Party —

Yes, It’s Summer — But It’s Time to Plan This Year’s Christmas Party!

We know, we know — it’s only summer. But trust us, the best Christmas parties start with early planning. In fact, July and August are the perfect months to start organising your festive celebration. The earlier you plan, the better your chances of securing your preferred date, the best venues, and top-notch entertainment.

Christmas 2025 might feel a long way off, but the most popular venues are already booking up — and you don’t want to miss out! Whether you’re planning a sparkling soirée for clients or a fun, relaxed bash for your team, these updated tips will help you throw a Christmas party to remember.

What’s the Purpose?

Before you get into the details, get clear on your goal.

• Is it about impressing clients? Go big on style and impact.

• Team celebration? A more casual, relaxed vibe may be perfect.

• Family-friendly event? Consider daytime or weekend timings.

Knowing your objective will help you choose the right venue, food, and entertainment.

Save the Date!

Christmas is a busy time, so secure your date as early as possible. Even if you don’t have all the details yet, send a quick “save the date” now to make sure your guests can attend.

Choose the Right Venue

Your office might be the easy option, but it’s rarely the best. People tend to relax more and have a better time away from their usual work environment. You also avoid the risk of “photocopier incidents” (we’ve all heard the stories!).

Consider stunning venues that offer an extra layer of magic, like:

• The Mansion, Leeds: Hosting festive party nights in the elegant Mansion in Roundhay Park, with live DJs, dancing, and delicious Christmas menus. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the season in style.

• Rise Hall, East Yorkshire: This exclusive-use country house is offering spectacular Christmas party nights, with fine dining, entertainment, and the grandeur of a historic stately home all to yourselves.

• Sefton Park Palm House, Liverpool: This unique structure is a magical oasis and perfect for show-stopping events. The height makes it ideal for entertainment such as silk acts and acrobats.

These venues don’t just provide beautiful backdrops — they create a whole festive experience. Plus, with Dine’s expert planning, you know every detail will be taken care of.

Should You Invite Plus-Ones?

It depends on the event’s vibe.

• Professional networking or award events? You might keep it team-only.

• Relaxed parties or team celebrations? Plus-ones can help people feel more comfortable and festive.

You could also mix it up: a team-only afternoon with partners joining in the evening.

Book Entertainment Early

Christmas is peak season for entertainers, so secure your DJ, band, or live performers as soon as you can. Unique options like close-up magicians, live artists, or themed performers can really make your party stand out.

Both The Mansion and Rise Hall can help you book tried-and-tested entertainers who know how to keep the party flowing. Whether you are after a cool DJ to get the party going, or Santa to make a guest appearance, our little black book has all the contacts!

Get Creative with Food

Don’t let the food be an afterthought — it’s one of the things people remember most!

• Bowl food: Great for mingling and movement.

• Sit-down dinners: Ideal for formal events with speeches.

• Sharing platters: A brilliant middle ground that feels generous and sociable.

Dine’s Christmas Party Menus offer mouth-watering options, including fantastic choices for all dietary requirements. Vegetarian and vegan guests should feel just as catered for as everyone else — anything less isn’t good enough.

Drinks That Dazzle

Prosecco is still a crowd-pleaser, but cocktails are making a major comeback. Consider adding a professional mixologist to create festive drinks or a signature cocktail for your event.

Don’t forget your non-drinkers! Great mocktails, alcohol-free wines, and premium soft drinks can make all the difference. And yes — stock up on more water than you think you’ll need.

Smaller team?

Working for a smaller team can sometimes make it feel like a Christmas Party is out of reach. At Dine we have a number of ‘joiner’ parties during December, where you can bring a table of friends or colleagues and join in the fun! Check out our Christmas Events for dates and availability!