No more Christmas Party FOMO.

I know it may seem like we're jumping the gun here, talking about Christmas parties while it's still March. But trust me, now is the perfect time to get the ball rolling on your festive party.

You see, these prime dates in the last two weeks of November and first three weeks in December, they get snatched up like hotcakes. And guess when they're typically booked? You guessed it - right around now, in March and April. It's what we like to call the Silly Season, and it's all about those coveted Thursday, Friday, and Saturday dates.

Now, here's the best part: all it generally takes to secure your dream venue is a reasonable deposit of 25% - 30% and a signed copy of the contract – and the final payment will be due in the next financial year (you’re CFO or accounts team will love you for it). Plus, imagine the stress and hassle you'll save yourself later in the year by avoiding the desperate scramble for available venues that actually please everyone in the office. Phew!

1. DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE

 Click the link for a free checklist resource to guide you on your quest for the perfect Christmas party venue. It's like having a stylish personal assistant right at your fingertips!

Picture this: the party is in full swing, laughter fills the air, and spirits are high. But oh no, there's a sound of growling bellies threatens to ruin the festive spirit. We simply can't have that, can we?

When organizing your Christmas feast, focus on ensuring there's more than enough food to satisfy your fab guests. Once their appetites are well taken care of, we can turn our attention to the beverages. Need a few hints to ensure we've got food game on point?

• A grazing station is the perfect solution. It allows guests to indulge in delicious bites throughout the event, at their own pace.

• Let's discuss timing with your venue. How about starting the food service about 45 minutes into the event? It ensures everyone has time to settle in and work up an appetite, and trust us, no one really eats before this time.

• Don't forget to ask your venue for suggestions or images of filling items – which come at the same price point. We're looking for those crowd-pleasers that not only taste divine but also make our budget smile. Think arancini versus oysters.

• My ultimate secret (not so secret) for a knockout party - late-night snacking! Keep it a surprise and watch your guests' eyes light up when the scrumptious snacks appear.

Let’s talk about stretching those dollars. We're all about finding the perfect balance between indulgence and sensible spending. Confetti Society's got a few hot tips up our sleeves to help you make the most of your budget:

• Do we really need a three-course meal? Nope! Desserts are a thing of the past, unless you are shaking things up and opting for interactive desserts

• Cocktail on arrival for every guest? Not necessary. With some guests opting for beer, or driving (or even expecting!), around 20% won't indulge in a cocktail right off the bat.

• Beverage package or a clever bar tab switcheroo? Consider starting with a 3-4 hour package and then smoothly transitioning to a bar tab. As the night progresses, people's drinking habits change, and we'll save some precious dollars.

• Needing AV and Sound? Before you shell out for fancy equipment, explore what the venue offers, including if they have DJ equipment onsite. Who knows, they might have some complimentary items that match your needs.

• Do you need Confetti Society by your side to make your Christmas party an absolute knockout? Absolutely! That one will always be a yes!

Let’s not forget the magic of theming and décor! These little touches are what transform a generic venue into a personalized wonderland. We want your Christmas party to scream your company's unique style.

So, let's allocate a special line in the budget for theming and décor. Even the simplest additions, like coloured linen, bud vases, or twinkling candles, can go a long way in creating an enchanting atmosphere. Confetti Society is here to help too with our styling services and 1:1 sessions, offering suggestions on the perfect theme, décor, and clever ways to stretch your budget.

Every event is a golden opportunity, not only to mingle with colleagues you might not have had the chance to chat with before, but also to create some buzz on your company's media channels.

Now, potential new clients and future employees aren't too keen on seeing a bunch of photos of your team getting a little too jolly. Instead, capture the essence of the night in a beautiful venue with your team dressed to the nines. It'll paint such a positive image of your company.

And guess what? It might even play a major role in attracting new talent down the line. Who wouldn't want to join a company that knows how to throw a dazzling soirée and treats their staff.

At the end of the day, the main reason for a Christmas party is to put on a big bash for all the team, to say thank you and appreciate their hard work – this also means you. After all, you're the mastermind behind this unforgettable event! Planning an event can be time-consuming, and we don't want you to spend the whole evening making sure everything runs smoothly.

So, when selecting a venue and suppliers, make sure you choose ones you trust to deliver the event, and to schedule, even if they are slightly more expensive, it’s worth it. At Confetti Society we do also offer "On The Day" services, for this exact reason, a little extra sparkle to ensure you can sit back, relax, and truly relish in the joy of the party.

So now that you know what mistakes not to make when planning you can really dive in. Head over to our services site to see how we can be a part of your team for your upcoming epic Christmas Party!