5 REASONS TO CRACK THE CHRISTMAS PLANNING

Written by: Sue - 30^th October 2019

A new season has fallen and now is the time to ensure the Christmas get-together makes the agenda and crack on with the planning. When 'the snowman brings the snow' will be too late to find the best dates, venues and themes to create a meaningful gathering for your particular guest list and purpose.

Events professionals know that the shrewd time for festive forward planning is while the summer breeze is still blowing, particularly if the aim is to infuse a major corporate event such as an annual conference or awards night with that magical Christmas spirit. Don't despair yet, however, there are many opportunities still to explore, but you may now have to rely on a flexible and innovative approach to meet the brief. For instance, those prepared to consider an event on a week night - a Thursday perhaps - or a daytime celebration might be rewarded with an unforgettable venue. Some who neglect early planning, opt ultimately for a delayed January date rather than compromise the quality of experience and short-change their guests.

There are five strong reasons still to commit at this stage. It's not just about ramping up the jollity as the year winds down; Christmas events can gift serious corporate benefits.

1 Wellbeing - the top priority is to encourage a break from everyday pressure; a chance to rise up from behind that desk or board table, stretch the legs by having a mingle or even shake them a little with your Christmas dance moves. Ideally, this should be the finale of a year dotted with appropriate wellbeing moments.

2 You're Valued - reward and recognise the past year's achievements. Say thank you and maybe offer an award or incentive experience.

3 Motivate - as well as saying thank you, it's the time to say please; please remember that you're valued, a successful element of the team - worth spending time with. We want you part of the mission and to inspire you higher.

4 Team Bonding - like every other team building opportunity, when the whole of a person - their family and social sphere as well as professional - is discovered, this aids understanding, communication and co-operation. The consequent ripples may prove a real return on investment.

5 Re-Focus - when everybody gathers together, it's the ultimate chance to re-inforce the group message, mission and inspire loyalty.

Clinch A Calder Christmas!

Here, we've placed a few enticing packages to the top of the pile so you don't overlook them, but it's worth contacting the Calder team to discuss the full array of festive possibilities throughout our partner portfolio.

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection know exactly how Christmas should be presented - both the traditions and atmospherics we like to preserve from a bygone era, together with a few unexpected, up-to-the-minute twists.

The Milestone Hotel, London offers cosy fires, panelled suites and tempting treats this year. A Festive Afternoon Tea may be enjoyed in an informal group around the fireplace in the charming Park Lounge, or a private event may be arranged in the exclusivity of the elegant conservatory or the imposing wood-panelled setting of the Windsor Suite.

Your afternoon tea will comprise a tempting selection of homemade delights - mini Christmas cakes, cranberry and orange tartlet, pear and gingerbread mousse and peppermint meringue lollipops as just an example to whet the appetite - which may then be paired with a cup of tea from the fine loose leaf single estate selection, hot chocolate or freshly-brewed coffee.

Just allow these images to kindle the imagination as to the consoling culinary experience and evocative surroundings your guests will relish.

The Old Government House Hotel, Guernsey offers new heights of festive atmosphere with contemporary Christmas twists. Each year, the roof terrace here is transformed into a mountain-top retreat - the Alpine Lodge - complete with snowy scenery, cosy throws, rustic wooden walls and a flickering fire. Pull up some barrel tables, cast some vintage ski gear around the place, and that's everything required to conjure an après ski experience. Arrange a 'Ski Pass' package for your team to enjoy exclusive use of the lodge for £36 per person, to include a glass of mulled wine on arrival, a delicious festive platter with dessert and two drinks tokens for the bar. 

New this year is 'Shotskis' - the Alpine way to share a round of shots and create a memorable selfie moment.

As if sitting on the terrace overlooking the delightful seaside town of St Peter Port is not alluring enough, it might just be fun to pretend you're in Val d'Isère. The Alpine Lodge - pure escapism!

The Chesterfield, Mayfair welcomes you to their Winter Wonderland themed afternoon tea - a chance to savour mulled wine, a Chesterfield Christmas tea blend full of aromatic spices, with a display of delicious delicacies - or to the more formal private dining party events. Your Winter Wonderland awaits, beyond the marble-floored and chandeliered opulence of this magnificent boutique venue, close to the Royal Parks.

Blue Orchid Hotels, a new private luxury collection in the heart of London, beckon guests to retreat with them into the peaceful elegance of Vincent Square. Gather for a drinks reception, followed by seated dining amid the candelabras in an exclusive space for up to 70 guests, with the guidance of a dedicated Christmas co-ordinator. At both the Wellington Hotel and the Rochester Hotel, various overnight stay options and a complimentary bedroom offer are open for discussion, to prolong this luxurious happening for your guests.