How to arrange a successful Christmas party for the company

As the year begins to draw to a close, it's time to gather colleagues for perhaps the most anticipated event of the year – the Christmas party! A well-planned Christmas party is a chance to thank the team, build camaraderie, and round off the year with warmth and energy.

Here we share our best ideas for how to plan a Christmas party that feels both authentic and memorable, without the stress.

Start with the feeling you want to create

Before you start booking a venue and menu, consider what feeling you want the party to convey. Should it be elegant and atmospheric, relaxed and playful, or perhaps with a creative theme? A clear direction makes planning both easier and more fun.

Find the perfect place

The environment sets the tone for the entire evening. Are you looking for a venue with a classic Christmas atmosphere, or something more modern with unexpected touches? At IVA Conference Centre, there is a fantastic banquet hall which suits everything from grand banquets to more intimate dinners. The party room, with its adjoining four lounges, boasts an impressive length of nearly 50 metres. Sliding doors between the lounges allow the venue to be adapted to the size of your party. Our central location, with bus and underground services just around the corner, makes it easy for everyone to get here.

Also consider the logistics: how the guests arrive, where you’ll gather for pre-drinks and what the flow of the evening will be like. Small details that make a big difference to the overall experience.

Food and drink that spreads joy

The food is often the highlight of the Christmas party. A classic Christmas buffet, a modern sharing menu, or a lavish Christmas smorgasbord with delicacies from the sea? At IVA Conference Centre, we collaborate with Grodan restaurant, creating menus filled with both tradition and creativity. Don't forget to plan for good non-alcoholic options and small surprises between courses – perhaps a dessert that sparks conversation at the table? But a lavish dessert table is never a bad idea either.

Programme and entertainment for the company Christmas party

A successful party plan is about balancing activity and relaxation. Perhaps you'd like to start with a joint mingle, continue with dinner, and then surprise with a live band, DJ, or a quiz? Let the programme reflect the company's personality and create space for spontaneous laughter.

If someone is going to give a speech, keep it short and warm. Often, a few well-chosen words are enough to set the tone.

Create atmosphere with the details

Decorations, candles, and music do more than you might think. The scent of pine, warm lanterns, and a playlist of mixed favourites can instantly lift the atmosphere. Want to take it a step further? Go for a photo booth, personalised place cards, or a festive gift for your guests to take home.

If you choose to hold your company Christmas party with us at IVA Conference Centre, we'll be more than happy to help with all the details!

Capture the moments from the Christmas party

A Christmas party is full of moments worth remembering, so be sure to document them! A photographer, a video camera, or a shared photo wall make it easy to collect memories from the evening. Perfect for sharing afterwards on the intranet or in the company newsletter.

Just remember to ask if everyone is comfortable being in the photo – it's a simple gesture that's appreciated.

To thank and wrap up the year

After the party, it's nice to follow up with a thank you, perhaps through an email with some pictures, or a greeting from management summarising the year and looking forward to the next. It shows appreciation and reinforces the positive feeling the party created.

Would you like help planning your company's Christmas party this year?

At IVA Conference Centre, we're happy to help with everything from venue and menu to logistics and decoration. Together we'll create a party where colleagues leave with a smile – and a longing for the next Christmas party!