The festive season is upon us, and the magic of Christmas is just around the corner. With the rush of holiday shopping, decorating, and planning, you might suddenly realise that there’s just one thing missing – the Christmas party! Whether you’re organising a cosy gathering at home or a lively corporate Christmas party at the office, planning a last-minute event doesn’t mean compromising on fun and festive spirit. With some expert advice and a few quick tips, you can pull off a celebration that’ll leave your guests raving and full of festive spirit. Read on for inspiration and expert tips on organising a last minute Christmas party.

• Why Hold a Christmas Party at Home or the Office?
• Is There Time to Plan a Last Minute Christmas Party?
• 5 Tips for Planning a Last Minute Christmas Party
• Last Minute Christmas Party Ideas
• Make It a Christmas Party to Remember with HOMETAINMENT

Why Hold a Christmas Party at Home or the Office?

Christmas parties are a perfect way to bring people together, and they’re a tradition that’s cherished by many. Hosting a party, whether at home or in the office, is a wonderful opportunity to spread festive cheer, show appreciation, and strengthen bonds, whether it’s family and friends or coworkers and clients.

In fact, 77% of UK business leaders consider the annual corporate Christmas party the most important work event of the year!

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Is There Time to Plan a Last Minute Christmas Party?

There’s always time to plan a Christmas Party, no matter how last minute - especially if you bring in the experts! Plus, a last-minute Christmas party doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or fun. With a bit of planning and some creative ideas, you can still host an event that brings festive cheer to all your guests.

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5 Tips for Planning a Last Minute Christmas Party

Even if time is running out, there are several strategies to ensure your Christmas party goes off without a hitch. Here are our five expert tips for planning a successful last-minute event.

1. Plan Towards Your Guests

You’re throwing a Christmas party for yourself, but mainly for your guests, so consider their preferences and personalities when planning your Christmas party. Whether it’s a family gathering or a corporate event, knowing what your guests enjoy will help you choose the right activities, food, and atmosphere.

For example, your corporate Christmas Party may need to be more formal than something for your family and friends. In addition, a last minute Christmas party activity for your colleagues, like an escape room, may encourage team building, whereas you may just want to let your hair down with your nearest and dearest with a private bartender and live music.  

Whichever you choose, engage your guests in fun activities that cater to their interests to ensure everyone has a memorable experience.

2. Prioritise the Essentials

When it comes to making last minute plans, you may not be able to have all the bells and whistles, although when working with HOMETAINMENT, we always do our best! Many experts get booked up well in advance during the festive period, to focus on the most important elements first: guest list, food and drinks, decorations, and entertainment.

A last-minute party doesn’t require over-the-top planning, so keeping things simple will help you manage your time effectively. We recommend making a list of must-haves and tackling each one quickly.

3. Set the Tone with Food & Drinks

The food and drinks you serve can significantly impact the atmosphere of your party. Opt for simplistic yet delicious catering, some of which can be pre-prepared to keep the menu stress-free and to increase your likelihood of booking catering last minute. Think finger foods like mini sandwiches, bowl foods and canapés, charcuterie boards, grazing tables and bite-sized desserts.

For beverages, hiring a private bartender or mixologist is an easy way to ensure the drinks are flowing. If that’s not possible, set up a self-serve station with a selection of festive drinks, including non-alcoholic options for everyone to enjoy.

4. Include a Team Bonding Activity

A fun activity always goes down well at a Christmas party, whether it’s at home or at the office. For corporate Christmas parties, team bonding activities can help strengthen relationships and create a more relaxed atmosphere, encouraging interaction and fun between teams. Activities such as a group quiz or a fun festive-themed workshop like wreath making can break the ice and get everyone engaged.

A last minute Christmas party at home for friends and family can also benefit from a group activity. We love our Gingerbread House Workshop, which is a great way to get all generations involved and make lifelong memories.

5. Keep a Surprise Up Your Sleeve

A little surprise can go a long way in making your party memorable, despite it being organised last minute. This could be a surprise guest, a special performance, or a fun competition. Keep your guests guessing and excited about what’s coming next. This element of surprise adds an extra layer of fun to the festivities. We love the idea of hiring Surprise Singers, who pose as staff or guests at your party, but burst into song and dance throughout! Your guests will never have experienced anything quite like it!

Last Minute Christmas Party Ideas

You have your plan, but now you need some last-minute inspiration to make your Christmas party a success. Here are some fun and unique options that can be quickly arranged, especially with the help of HOMETAINMENT’s party planning services and little black book of experts.

Wreath Making

Host a wreath-making workshop where guests can create their own festive decorations. This is a great way to engage everyone and leave them with a lovely keepsake to take home.

Cocktail Masterclass

Turn your living room or office into a cocktail lounge by hiring a mixologist to teach guests how to make Christmas-themed drinks. It’s interactive, festive, and a fantastic way to get everyone involved in the Christmas spirit.

Murder Mystery

Mix things up with a festive murder mystery party that engages your guests in solving a fun, fictional crime. This interactive experience can serve as both entertainment and a unique way to break the ice.

Party Finger Food & Canapés

Keep the menu easy and elegant with a selection of finger foods and canapés. These bite-sized delights are perfect for mingling and allow guests to enjoy a variety of flavours throughout the night.

Arcade Games

Rent arcade games to create a fun and nostalgic atmosphere for your guests. Our expert Reece, brings his MetaVerse Arcade to you, letting guests race around Silverstone, get in a round of mini golf, blast fuzzy monsters, or play some arcade classics. A hit for both home and office parties, it provides entertainment for guests of all ages.

Make It a Christmas Party to Remember with HOMETAINMENT

When it comes to planning a last-minute Christmas party, the key is to stay organised, keep things simple, and focus on creating a festive atmosphere. With some thoughtful planning, you can still host an event that’s filled with festive cheer, whether you’re inviting friends and family to your home or planning a corporate Christmas party for your colleagues.

At HOMETAINMENT, we make it easy to organise a memorable party without the stress. From live entertainment and private chefs to interactive workshops and virtual experiences, our wide range of offerings caters to every type of celebration, helping you turn your last-minute plans into an extraordinary event that everyone will enjoy.

So why not make this year’s Christmas party truly special? Let HOMETAINMENT handle the details while you relax and enjoy the festive season. Contact HOMETAINMENT today to get started on planning a last-minute Christmas party that will be remembered long after the decorations are put away!