Let’s face it, it’s a daunting task. It doesn’t matter who you are, getting the job of planning the office Christmas Party can be a minefield of budgets, office politics and creating the right impression.

Don’t be afraid of joiner parties.

Sometimes for small to medium companies the onus is still on having an exclusive, private event. Bear in mind that joiner parties can offer you the chance to experience a big-budget theme and venue without the huge price tag. Taking a table or two at a joiner party is often cheaper thanexclusive parties for smaller numbers, and can be a great way to mix with crowds other than the same 15 people you see every day!

Be flexible

Often the same package in a hotel or venue will be a lotcheaper on a Monday or Tuesday than the prime days of Thursday to Saturday. If you’re working to a budget and you need to get a package price down, ask for substitutions. In this current climate venues should be willing to work withyou (within reason) on private parties if you have an intelligent suggestion of a menu change or lower bar threshold etc. If you don’t have to announce the details until November and you are open-minded about a theme then hold off booking. If you can fit in with vacant dates a venue still has last-minute,you’ll always get a better deal. Would you consider lunch instead of dinner? A buffet instead of sit down? Cava instead of champagne?