Christmas Party Ideas for the Small Business

For small businesses, the Christmas season is a perfect time to celebrate achievements, boost morale, and show appreciation to employees. Throwing a memorable Christmas party on a modest budget can be both enjoyable and cost-effective with some creativity and a few practical ideas. Here’s your guide to planning a festive and unforgettable small business Christmas party, with tips to make it feel special without overspending.

Traditional Christmas Dinner or Casual Canapés

Nothing says Christmas like a traditional holiday meal. Treat your team to a festive sit-down dinner featuring seasonal favourites like roast turkey, cranberry sauce, mince pies, Brussels sprouts, Yorkshire puddings, and a warming glass of mulled wine. Hosting this in-house can be more budget-friendly than dining out, and with affordable furniture hire from BE, you can create an impressive dining setup without breaking the bank. Round tables, chairs, and table linen are all available for hire, letting you transform your workspace into a festive dining area.

If a full sit-down dinner feels too formal or costly, consider serving a selection of festive canapés instead. Bite-sized treats like pigs in blankets, mini quiches, and festive sliders make it easy for employees to mingle while enjoying delicious snacks. Eco-friendly disposable plates and napkins are also a great choice if you aim for a more casual setup while minimising waste.

Deck the Halls

Adding festive decorations is an easy way to bring Christmas cheer to any space. Tinsel, wreaths, and fairy lights instantly create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You don’t have to spend a lot on decorations; online retailers like Amazon and eBay offer bulk decoration packs that are both affordable and reusable. Choose decorations that can withstand the years if you plan to host future Christmas parties.

Consider a few statement pieces like a Christmas tree, and add personal touches such as staff-made decorations or a display of festive cards. Arrange a festive centrepiece on each table, like a candle or a small poinsettia for extra holiday spirit.

Drinks and Refreshments

Providing a selection of drinks is essential for any Christmas party, but catering to everyone’s tastes is important. Mulled wine and cider are seasonal favourites, while beer, wine, and soft drinks should also be available for variety. Why not create a signature Christmas cocktail or mocktail for an extra special touch? It’s a fun addition that won’t add much to your budget.

If alcohol is on the menu, remember to encourage responsible drinking. Appoint designated drivers or provide transport options if necessary. Always ensure plenty of non-alcoholic options are available, such as sparkling water, fruit juices, and hot chocolate – perfect for those who prefer not to drink or need to drive home.

Include Fun Festive Activities

Activities are the heart of a memorable Christmas party. They allow everyone to relax, have fun, and bond with colleagues. Here are a few activity ideas that are easy to organise and enjoyable for everyone:

Secret Santa: Organise a Secret Santa gift exchange with a low spending limit, allowing everyone to participate without feeling pressured. It’s a fun way to share holiday cheer and a great conversation starter.

Christmas Jumper Competition: Encourage employees to come in their most garish Christmas jumpers and hold a contest for the funniest or most outrageous design. This is an inexpensive, simple way to add holiday fun to your party.

Karaoke Session: A karaoke machine (or a digital version on your TV or projector) can turn your party into a sing-along spectacular. Add a few Christmas classics to the playlist for a festive touch.

Christmas Quiz: Host a Christmas-themed quiz, with rounds on festive films, holiday traditions, and company-related questions. This is an enjoyable, low-cost option that can easily be tailored to fit your team’s interests.

Consider setting up a craft station for a family-friendly event where kids can make their Christmas decorations or cards. If someone on your team is willing to dress as Father Christmas, you could even organise a small gift-giving session for employees’ children.

Capture the Memories

A Christmas party is a fantastic opportunity to make memories together, so capture the occasion! Hire a photographer, set up a DIY photo booth with festive props, or encourage everyone to take phone photos. If your business is active on social media, you could even create a company hashtag for the party. At the end of the evening, encourage everyone to share their favourite snapshots in a company group chat or display them in a festive email newsletter to add a personal touch.

Furniture Hire

If your party space lacks seating or tables, Christmas furniture hire is a simple solution. BE Event Hire offers affordable options for tables, chairs, and table linens, making it easy to create a professional setup without the long-term commitment of buying furniture. Opt for round tables to create a more communal feel, and consider adding high tables or bar stools for standing areas if your space allows.

Not only does furniture hire save costs, but it also ensures your venue looks polished and party-ready, whether you’re hosting in your office or hiring a venue. BE Event Hire provides flexible delivery and setup options, making the logistics of your event straightforward to manage.

Party Favours and Personal Touches

Sending your employees home with a small party favour is a thoughtful way to end the night. Personalised items like mini Christmas crackers, company-branded ornaments, or festive treats such as gingerbread can be affordable and appreciated. These little touches create a positive impression and help your team remember the celebration fondly.

Adding personal touches throughout the party, such as a message from leadership recognising each team member’s contributions, can also go a long way. It shows genuine appreciation and makes the occasion feel even more meaningful.

Plan Ahead and Relax

Planning a small business Christmas party can be a straightforward and enjoyable experience with some foresight and creativity. Remember, it’s about celebrating the team and enjoying time together, so keep the event simple, thoughtful, and relaxed. Organising an event that’s easy to manage and full of holiday cheer creates a festive experience that your team will appreciate and remember.

With the help of BE Event Hire’s affordable furniture options, you can host a Christmas celebration that’s both stylish and budget-friendly. So start planning today, and make this year’s holiday party memorable for all the right reasons!