Time to get the tinsel out … It’s Christmas!
In the unforgettable (we’ve tried) words of Noddy Holder ‘It’s Chriiiiiiiistmaaaaaaaas’, well nearly anyway, and that can mean only one thing: time for the annual office party.
If you’ve been waiting all year to dust off your novelty tie or oversized reindeer earrings for the annual bash at the pub-down-the-road then time to rejoice, if not, maybe it’s time to give your designated office party planner a bit of inspiration .
London is so choc-a-bloc full of attractive offers and intriguing venues it can be tempting to just stick with what you know rather than get lost amongst the hoards, but if you are feeling like it’s time for change here is our pick of the best:
8 Northumberland’s ‘Sugar Palace’
Restored Grade II listed venue located a one-minute walk from Trafalgar Square – The Old Billiard Room will be transformed into an enchanting fairytale playground. Think the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Kingdom of Sweets meets the White Witches castle – cool, decadent and delicious. A glittering colour scheme of silver and white will evoke a dazzling winter wonderland complete with edible trees, giant lollipops and a candy-man DJ!
Additional whimsical flourishes include spinning table centres to nibble on and an enticing dungeon sweet shop. Top hits will keep guests partying late into the night, while the magical LED light technology will provide a visual feast as it dances around the room in time to the music.
Reception from £70 per person + VAT / Seated Dinner from £120 per person + VAT
The Deck – ‘Chalet Noël’
They’re bringing the rustic charm and inviting surroundings of an Alpine resort to the South Bank this Christmas, transforming The Deck into Chalet Noël, a luxury ski lodge, perfect for enjoying an evening of entertainment with breath-taking views of London’s iconic skyline.
After walking through a pathway lined with twinkling trees and powdery snow, you and your guests will receive an exclusive ‘ski pass’ to Chalet Noël, a cosy retreat with exposed wooden-beams, fur linings and winter sports paraphernalia galore.
Warm yourself by a roaring fire whilst taking in the landmark views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the City of London, with the smooth sounds of the jazz piano playing in the background as you sip on a glass of our fortifying mulled wine.
Three themed menus have been created by our executive chef, Simon Flint and his team, featuring classic French dishes to stave off those winter chills:
A refined tea party for 20-70 guests, from 11am – 3pm, is the perfect ways to experience Chalet Noel during the day. For just £49.95pp + VAT / A standing reception for 50-120 guests, from 6pm – 11:30pm at £99pp + VAT / Five-course dinner, for 30-70 guests, from 6pm – 11:30pm at £145pp + VAT
Inamo – interactive asian fusion for smaller groups
They’ll serve you a delicious 4 course menu (3 choices per course) and offer everything from creating your own cocktails & virtual tablecloths, to tasty canapés, sushi making & saké tasting.
Start your party in style with a Prucia fizz cocktail, or 3 canapes including shichimi baby peppers.
Take advantage of the unique interactive tables to customise your table surfaces and wow your guests (see how your image might look on a table), and create a cocktail for your party (maybe even in your company colours?)
Don your apron and learn to prepare tasty nigiri & maki with our sushi chef, and taste 4 sakés by booking a sushi & sake masterclass for your party.
The Christmas Party Menu is available from Nov 25th to Dec 24th. Price per guest: £35.
If those weren’t enough to tempt you and assuming you don’t quite have the budget for a truly bespoke extravaganza (something we at Effective Event Solutions can most certainly provide if you do though …) then why not look a little further afield…..
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire – Take a step back in time
There is no better place to hold your Christmas celebrations than Blenheim Palace, a truly magnificent venue. For the festive season the Palace will be dressed for ‘A Dickensian Christmas’.
Blenheim Palace provides something for everyone with a range of Christmas packages & event spaces. Choose between the elegant Orangery, the beautiful Marlborough Room or one of the private rooms for your festive lunch or Christmas party with colleagues and friends.
The Orangery is perfect for larger parties of 60 – 180 guests, and smaller celebrations can take place in the Marlborough Room. £49.00pp inclusive of VAT
What finer way to enjoy a quintessentially English tradition than with a Festive Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace? £25.50 pp inclusive of VAT
Just a quick train ride from the big smoke you’ll find the enchanting Christmas Markets of Brussels:
One of the highlights for Christmas shoppers are the 240 wooden Christmas chalets opened during this time. They line the streets of Bourse, Marché aux Poissons and Place St. Catherines. These stalls look like gingerbread houses, twinkling with fairy lights and covered with ‘snow-top’ roofs. The chalets sell a variety of Christmas items, decorations, gifts and Christmas season food.
The markets are open from From 29th November 2013 to 5th January 2014. Everything is open until 9pm on weeknights and 10pm on weekends.
Effective Travel Solutions can provide transport and accommodation packages along with a British hostess to ensure the smooth running of your trip.
Available for groups of 10+, prices dependent on preferred dates of travel.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!