How to plan the best Christmas party
It’s that time of year again! Yep, the festive season is upon us, and that only means one thing — time to eat, drink and be merry! However, if you’ve been tasked with organising a seasonal shindig, the pressure of pulling off the perfect Christmas party can quickly become all too much. But fear not; that’s where we come in!
If you want to take the stress out of organising the perfect festive party, look no further than Greene King Pubs. From delicious festive food and drinks to spacious function rooms for any-sized gathering, we’ve got you covered. We can even offer a place to rest your head at night in our hotels and inns this Christmas.
So, if you want to get ahead of the Christmas chaos and tick one more thing off your list, take a look at our top tips for organising the ultimate festive knees-up.
Get organised early
By failing to prepare, you are preparing for a shambolic party (or whatever Benjamin Franklin said). Don’t leave planning your Christmas party until the last minute. A good event takes time to come together, and as far as we’re concerned, it’s never too soon to get into the Christmas spirit.
Plus, the early bird catches the worm (another great phrase), and at Greene King, booking a table early with us can open you up to a whole host of generous treats, including possible cash back to spend in the new year. You know, just as a little extra stocking filler.
Consider your Christmas party budget
We’re all a little strapped for cash this time of year, so being cautious with your party budget can make all the difference — and trust us, you’ll be thankful once you come to check your bank balance in January. However, having a tight budget doesn’t mean your Christmas parties have to be modest. Our well-stocked bars are sure to have a little of what you fancy, and our menus are packed with seasonal treats, all at prices that don’t break the bank.
Consider your guestlist
When you’re in the early stages of party planning, it’s always a good idea to think about your guests before making any big decisions. Is it a family affair, a lively get-together with pals, or perhaps the end-of-year office do? Knowing your audience, so to speak, will help you make the best decisions about the venue, food, date and more.
If you’re expecting little guests, our family-friendly pubs are an excellent shout, with plenty of kid-approved menu options, a relaxed atmosphere and all the necessary amenities.
Ensure the menu caters for everyone
Organising a festive meal can feel like a mammoth task, no matter how many people you’re catering for. With so many different mouths to feed and tastes to satisfy, it’s vital you find a spot with delicious dining and plenty of food & festive drinks options.
Luckily, we’re big on choice here at Greene King. Our festive menu boasts seasonal sensations with all the tasty trimmings, as well as unique twists on traditional classics and plenty of vegan and veggie options. However, if you’d prefer to stick with some pub classics, our year-round menu is still available. So, whether someone is desperate for their festive food fix or turns their nose up to turkey, no one is left hungry. And who says Fish and Chips can’t be festive?
Find a large space for a large crowd
Christmas party season is a busy time of year, so if your festive function looks like it’s going to attract a big crowd, avoid the queues and chaos and find a space big enough to host. Here are some of our suggestions for pubs with plenty of space for the whole gang.
The Malt House, Birmingham
With its picturesque canal-side setting, the Malt House combines good pub food with a charming atmosphere like no other. Although this historic, 19th-century pub offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Birmingham city centre, it’s not without its vibrancy. The mezzanine area features space for up to 80 guests, making it ideal for large family gatherings and work Christmas parties.
The Commodore, Bournemouth
If you’re planning a festive party by the sea, the Commodore in Bournemouth has all bases covered — a welcoming atmosphere, excellent food, and peaceful ocean views. Along with a spacious bar and dining area, this lively pub also features a large function room perfect for festive gatherings. And don’t worry; with a friendly team on hand to take care of all the little details, you can relax and focus on celebrating.
The Greyhound Pub, Kensington
Fancy a festive eve in London? We’ve got plenty of options around the capital. The Greyhound pub sits in the exclusive Kensington Square, and although it may look small on the outside, you’ll be surprised once you step through the door! Indeed, there’s more to this traditional London pub than meets the eye, with space for groups of every size, from a few friends to the whole family. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, so your four-legged friends needn't miss out.
Offer the chance for a restful night’s stay
The hallmark of a good Christmas party is when no one wants to call it a night. And if the celebrations do go a little later than expected, there’s nothing like an arduous journey home or a hefty taxi bill to ruin the festivities.
At Greene King, we have a generous choice of pubs with hotels and inns, so if you spend your Christmas party with us, you can head from the bar to your bedroom in mere minutes.
The Bell Hotel, Tewkesbury
Perched on the doorstep of The Cotswolds, the Bell Hotel is a striking Tudor building built in 1696. It boasts 24 bedrooms which all have a vintage charm but there are plenty of modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and free parking, to keep your stay stress-free. And if you fancy a bit of history and culture the morning after your festive party, you’ll be pleased to know that the Bell Hotel sits directly opposite the world-renowned Tewksbury Abbey.
The Rothley Court Hotel, Rothley
The Rothley Court Hotel in Rothley, Leicestershire is just as regal as it sounds, with a history dating back to the 16th century. Enjoy an elegant Christmas party in one of the three spacious function rooms, before retiring to your beautifully decorated en-suite guestroom. Plus, when you book a room, you can enjoy 20% off lunch and dinner during your stay. Perfect for turning your Christmas party into a weekend getaway.
The Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford
The Cock Hotel in Stony Stratford, North Buckinghamshire, is something of a local landmark. It was first built back in the 15th century as a coaching inn and stands on the famous Roman road, Watling Street. The hotel has 30 bedrooms, which are all en-suite and have comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, and tasteful décor, reminiscent of the building’s storied history. Ideal for a good, old-fashioned, traditional Christmas celebration.
Ready to start planning your festive party?
Ready to crack out the tinsel? Whether it’s a small soiree or a big bash, we have everything you need, from delicious food to flowing drinks and an atmosphere guaranteed to have each and every guest feeling festive. So, go forth and start planning your perfect Christmas party!View our venues for Festive Parties