Category: Christmas

The Inner Temple: Creating the Ultimate Office Christmas Party

Posted on by patchmarketing_info

The Christmas season is a time for merriment, joy and gathering. One of the highlights of the festive period is undoubtedly the office Christmas party.

At The Inner Temple, Christmas is one of our favourite times of year as festive parties work perfectly within the traditional and historic setting of the venue.

Planning a memorable Christmas Party may seem daunting but with careful organisation, you can create an unforgettable experience. Here are some ideas to create the ultimate Christmas party:

1. Find the perfect venue

To find the right venue, there are a host of great event agencies who can help you or go on event websites to look at different venue options. We recommend filtering down the venues by location and the capacity you need, and then seeing which of
those venues suits you in terms of atmosphere. Enquire for quotes and with the ones where the options and costings suit what your company is looking for, you can book in site visits. There is nothing like seeing the venue in person for a real sense of the space. Make sure you enquire well in advance as peak dates get booked up quickly!

2. Set the theme

A well-defined theme sets the stage for a great Christmas party. Consider whether you want a cosy gathering, for instance an Alpine ski lodge with soft lighting, bar stools, faux fur blankets on the chairs and ferns adorning the tables. Or if you want a traditional party, choose a venue with classic features and traditional theming such as Christmas trees, beautiful ornaments, twinkling lights, garlands, and poinsettia. Once you have decided on a theme, transform your space into a festive wonderland. Work with your venue to see what theming they provide, and then add to that.

Inner Temple Christmas Party Themes

3. Plan engaging activities and entertainment

To ensure your Christmas party is entertaining and engaging, incorporate activities throughout the evening. For a small party consider hosting a secret Santa gift exchange so everyone ends the evening with a present to take away. Or organise fun games such as a Christmas themed scavenger hunt: split everyone into teams and leave clues around the venue that ultimately ends in finding a Christmas themed trophy or prize. For a more interactive experience, set up a DIY craft station where guests can create personalised wreaths or Christmas decorations.

4. Curate a festive menu

Delight your guests with a mouthwatering menu that captures the essence of the holiday season. Incorporate traditional dishes like roasted turkey or glazed ham, accompanied by flavourful sides such as pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, roasted vegetables, and accompanying condiments such as cranberry sauce. Don’t forget to inform your venue of any dietary requirements and have vegetarian and vegan options available. Enhance the culinary experience by serving drinks like mulled wine, spiced cider, or a festive cocktail. You could also see if the venue can offer dessert stations for the evening rather than a plated dessert, to allow more time for dancing, along with a wider range of sweet choices for guests to choose from. A well-thought-out menu will not only satisfy your guests’ taste buds but also adds to the overall festive ambience.

Inner Temple Christmas Party Menu

Planning the ultimate office Christmas party requires attention to detail, creativity, and a dash of festive magic.

The Inner Temple is the perfect location if you are looking a traditional Christmas setting. The Inner Temple, we still have some remaining dates left for Christmas so enquire today for availability. Cheers to a holiday season filled with unforgettable celebrations!

Church House Westminster: How to plan the perfect Christmas party

Posted on by patchmarketing_info

Hands up if you’re already thinking about your work Christmas party? .. You’re not? – well read on anyway (you might find this blog useful at some point).

It’s the one get-together that everyone looks forward to and one of the most important events of the corporate year! Planning the perfect festive event often starts months ahead of the date itself.

We’ve put together the ultimate guide to planning your Christmas party, to ensure you’re the star at the top of the tree (and not the soggy sprout at the bottom of the serving dish)!

It’s never too early to start planning

We recommend starting in spring or summer. First, you’ll need to start by creating an event brief. Consider the various aspects you’ll need to create a memorable evening – list these; and from there; you’ll be able to work out your necessary budget. The following are key when creating your brief:

  • Venue choice
  • Catering options
  • Entertainment
  • Timings
  • Event format

Remember to leave yourself some additional budget for contingency! When budgeting and planning an event like this, it’s worth thinking carefully about the type of company you’re planning for and the people that work there. Is a formal, sit-down meal with a dress code the best option? – or would a relaxed, informal occasion with drinks and a buffet be better? The sooner this is all discussed and decided upon, the sooner you can look at venues to hire.

Of course, if you are stuck staring at a blank wall and have absolutely no idea where to start with planning; or simply don’t have the time – our in-house event planners will work through all the options and ideas that will suit you best!

It’s all in the detail….

Whether you’re an event professional, or have a completely different profession (and happen to have been saddled with the (not so small) task of organising your work Christmas party), one fact that remains true, is that it’s all in the details!…. Don’t forget to consider the following when planning your party:

Timings

What time will guests need to arrive – and what methods of transport are available?

Timing can make or break an event – take into account travel times for guests, and their activities prior to attending. Also, ensure that your guests will be able to reach your chosen venue easily, by choosing a venue that is easily accessible.

Food

Choose tantalising options, and remember to ask your guests what their dietary requirements are.

Choosing your menu is an essential element of your event. You can really add to the experience with expertly procured dishes. Luckily our caterers Searcy’s are experts at creating delicious & sustainable dishes for a variety of dietary requirements.

Entertainment

A DJ, a live band, or even a magician can create the right atmosphere and keep your guest engaged.

If you want entertainment, think about whether you’d like a band/singer or a DJ to play music during the evening. You might even want to push the boat out by getting a guest/celebrity speaker to host your event. Think about who will be attending your event; and what appeals to them.

Health Safety, and well-being

Is your venue fully compliant? Have arrangements for your guest’s safety upon departure been made?

Your guests should be made aware of transport links, safe walking routes and registered taxi companies. You may want to suggest the booking of hotels for guests who may be coming from further afield – we recommend the following nearby hotels.

Choosing a venue

When it comes to choosing your venue – you want to select somewhere that will be just as memorable as the event itself!… somewhere that will impress your guests, with an understated sophistication and charm…(it may be a shameless plug – but we think Church House most definitely fits the bill!) There’s a reason we are loved by well-known corporations, celebrities and even the Royal family.

We currently offer our exclusive-use Christmas package in our premier rooms. The Assembly Hall and The Hoare Memorial Hall offer the ideal setting for a Christmas party to remember.

Take advantage of our all-singing (not to forget, dancing) package that includes complimentary use of our cloakroom; a 3-course meal by Searcy’s; and your own dedicated event coordinator & AV technician; among several additional options.

If you would like to speak to us about our packages, and/or book a show round the venue, get in touch here, or call: 020 7390 1590.

Church House Christmas Jumper Fundraising Campaign in aid of The Trussell Trust

Posted on by engineroom

Church House brand-new 2021 Christmas Jumper Fundraising Campaign is in aid of The Trussell Trust.

Last year, food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network gave out more than 2.5 million emergency food parcels to people in crisis – and almost a million of these were provided for children. This Christmas, families across the UK will be facing impossible decisions because they’re living in poverty. Food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network face giving out over 7,000 food parcels a day this December. Foodbank use is rising year on year, with need now 128% higher compared to the same time five years ago.

Your donations will be doubled!

Thanks to a generous match-funding offer, all donations will be doubled, at no cost to you. This means that your donations will go even further in helping people face impossible decisions this year.

Together we can end the need for foodbanks. Please give generously. Thank you so much!

How can you help?

Christmas is the season for giving and this year we’re asking all of you to embrace the Christmas spirit whilst raising money for good.

  1. Visit our Christmas Jumper Fundraising Campaign.
  2. Create your own fundraising page, ready to share with colleagues.
  3. Don your Christmas Jumper, take a selfie and upload to your page.
  4. Share your page and invite your colleagues to raise as much money as you can until Christmas Eve.
  5. Stay on top of the leaderboard to win the competition*.

*Competition prize

The team that raises the most money will win a sustainable luxe hamper for their office to be delivered in January 2022.

Frequently asked questions:

  • How can I get involved?

Simply click ‘Sign Up’ to create your page so people can donate and bring out your jazziest jumper this December! Or, if you prefer no selfies, click on ‘Give Now’ to donate only.

  • Can I take part as a team?

Absolutely! Click the ‘Sign Up’ button at the top of the page and you can then choose to create a team or join a team. You also have the option to join as an individual if you don’t want to be part of a team.

  • How do I share my page?

Head to your fundraising page and copy the URL, you can then share this on all of your social networks and on email. If you have a team page, friends will be able to click the ‘Join team’ button to help you on your mission!

Church House Westminster – Christmas Jumper Day campaign (give-star.com)

Aiming for a perfect Christmas – essential tips for Christmas tree dressing

Posted on by engineroom

Church House Westminster with Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design share some essential tips for Christmas tree dressing

Last week Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design was delighted to bring their special touch to Church House’s historic Westminster venue interiors. As they set to enhance and embody the venue’s space by dressing fragrant fir trees and adorning garlands, they thought of some essential trips for tree dressing to share with all.

You can read all about their top tips or tune in for their tree-dressing tips and tricks on Instagram.

Find out more

Creative Christmas returns to RIBA at 66 Portland Place with ‘Build Your Own’ celebrations

Posted on by engineroom

With the Christmas party season paused last year due to the pandemic, 2021 is set to see festive celebrations return bigger and better than ever before! Countless ideas and plans had to be put on hold, including ours, so this year we’re once again giving you the opportunity to build your perfect party package by selecting the individual elements that match your taste, budget and requirements.

In anticipation of the return of Christmas parties this year, we’ve re-launched our ‘Build Your Own’ experience – a subtle nod to our architectural roots – starting from £60 + VAT per person. This package is flexible with multiple F&B options at different price points, that can be selected as a standalone package or in conjunction with another to suit budget and preference. If we can ease the burden of organising Covid-secure F&B, it gives you more time to be creative with theming and entertainment.

We have three architecturally stunning spaces for Christmas parties at 66 Portland Place – the Florence Hall, RIBA Gallery or Aston Webb Room, or the option to combine rooms if you are going all out for a big celebration to make up for the lack of Christmas party last year! As the venue’s principal entertaining space, the Florence Hall features stunning floor to ceiling windows, which fills the room with an abundance of light, glass doors and carved pillars to provide a chic, mid-century backdrop. The expansive space can accommodate all manner of set-ups, from round tables, casual seating, or the inclusion of a dancefloor, and opens onto a leafy roof terrace.

Available to hire on its own or in conjunction with the Florence Hall, the RIBA Gallery features etched floor to ceiling windows and Art Deco detailing, as well as access to the adjacent landing, a triple height atrium space arranged around a grand sweeping staircase. For more intimate Christmas dinners or lunches, the Aston Webb room, which is located on the second floor, is steeped in history and features large windows which fill the room with light and allow for a grand view of the tree-lined Portland Place.

Our festive menus by CH&Co feature a range of flavoursome dishes, made using fresh, seasonal ingredients – from classic roast turkey to exciting alternatives like wild boar or artichoke velouté, followed by decadent chocolate ganache.

Whether you want a bespoke celebration planned down to the smallest detail, or a smooth solution for your office Christmas party, we work with you to come up with the perfect event package – and your event manager will be there on the day to ensure everything runs smoothly.

RIBA 3509 RIBA L 2722 Rosie Charlie 82

Three reasons to book a Christmas lunch at 8 Northumberland Avenue

Posted on by vlondon-admin

Looking for the perfect venue to host a Christmas lunch party? 8 Northumberland Avenue have rounded up their top three reasons for booking a midday Christmas feast with them:

  1. Value

Your guests deserve only the best Christmas celebrations and you don’t want to be held back by your budget and at 8 Northumberland Avenue you will save around £40 per head just by booking during the day instead of the evening.

2. Dates

Finding a perfect date that suits everyone during the festive season is a difficult task but booking a Christmas lunch party at our central London venue, means you have a better selection of days to ensure you don’t have to compromise on your preferred date.

3. Themes

We take great pride in choosing our themes (this year we have The Lost Palace of Atlantis and Winter Glitz & Glamour) and bringing them to life. Guests at our Christmas lunches will have the same amazing experience as our Christmas dinner party guests meaning they won’t miss out on the immersive theming for their Christmas party.

Festive lunches at 8 Northumberland Avenue start from £95 per person ex VAT*. Contact our team for more information [email protected].

*T&Cs:  price dependent on numbers.

Get in the festive spirit at The Clubhouse

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Looking for gift inspiration? Perhaps something for your partner, boss, client or PA? Visit The Clubhouse’s Christmas Market on Wednesday, 7 December between 12pm and 5pm, where a number of their members and other local businesses will be showing off their wares, including Snow Leopard Vodka, Broadbent Gallery, London Road Jewellery and Sweet Reason.

For more information please contact Elizabeth Faichney on [email protected].

St Martin-in-the-field choir hits the high note

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Renowned music venue St Martin-in-the-Fields’ incredible choir, St Martin’s Voices, is now available to book for concerts and events.

The venue has a rich musical legacy from performances by Handel and Mozart to current day concerts and the venue has been at the forefront of music-making in London for centuries.

Formed in 2014, St Martin’s Voices now perform regularly in concerts and events both in the UK and internationally, including a recent tour to the southern US states, and represent the next step in St Martin’s musical journey.

For further information on booking St Martin’s Voices to sing for a Christmas dinner or reception at St Martin’s email [email protected]

8 Northumberland launches Enchanted Forest Christmas theme for 2016

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You may still be trying to shake the post-Christmas haze and focus your mind on the day job but at 8 Northumberland Avenue, Christmas 2016 is already wrapped up. So why not get your 2016 party planning sorted now while the festive feel-good vibes are still fresh?

Launching not one but two incredible show-stopping themes, 8 Northumberland has pulled out all the stops to make Christmas 2016 one to remember.

Step into the magical ‘Enchanted Forest’ through twinkling branches, heavy with snow and cracked bark. Beyond this be led to the forest clearing complete with hanging lanterns and foliage.
The grandeur of the Ballroom is enhanced with foliage draped across the chandeliers and flowing down the walls and a sumptuous enchanted dinner will be served as the chandeliers twinkle through the foliage overhead and create a grand yet ethereal atmosphere.

If something a little more mysterious is what you are looking for then consider ‘House of Clues’. Venture through the heavy curtain of secrets into the grand space that is the House of Clues, where you will enjoy a fabulous evening of decadence.

Start the evening with a glass of bubbles, known to the staff of the mansion as ‘truth serum’, perfect for such a clandestine situation as this. The tables are adorned with objects from around the mansion, which reveal its history and secrets. Candles flicker on the tables as alluring scents from the kitchens tempt tastebuds, before dinner is served. After dinner we invite you to continue with drinks and dancing as you ‘pick your poison’ from the bar and then relax in the old Library.

So if you are looking for a central London venue and a truly out of the ordinary Christmas party in 2016, look no further than 8 Northumberland Avenue. To find out more click here.

Winter markets, Charleston balls, parties in the Crypt: Christmas 2015 in Westminster

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Turn back the clocks at RIBA Venues this Christmas

Have a roaring ‘20s Christmas party at RIBA Venues for just £65.00 per guest! Use your secret password and enter through huge bronze doors, speakeasy style. Then make your way to the roof top Wren Room. Party the night away with bowl food and unlimited drinks while enjoying the sparkling lights of London and its iconic landmarks. Treat your 50 to 120 guests this Christmas to a festive celebration they won’t forget.

Bubbles on us at Army and Navy Club!

Book your Christmas party on any of these dates and enjoy a complimentary Army & Navy Club Champagne upgrade (from the sparkling wine option): Fri 4, Tue 15, Wed 16, Fri 18 December.

Parties are also available throughout January 2016, with a minimum of 20 guests, at £75 per person to include: a glass of Army & Navy Club Champagne, a three-course menu, coffee and mince pies, ½ bottle of Club wine, mineral water, room hire, microphone for speeches (if required), festive crackers and VAT.

To redeem this offer just mention ‘TWC’ at the time of enquiry.

Santa and slopes at No. 11 Cavendish Square

After a day on the slopes or just a day in the office, enjoy a well-deserved après-ski as No.11 Cavendish Square transforms into a Ski Lodge this Christmas. Guests will be warmly welcomed into the alpine Lodge with burning fire places, antlers and wooden decoration galore. Enjoy the views of the beautiful Northern Lights while you sip on mulled cider or sparkling wine.

As the atmosphere builds, you will be taken to The Glass House where a superb dinner created by the venue’s in-house caterers (Ampersand) will be served. You can then dance the night away while enjoying drinks from the Lodge bar.

Jingle Bell Rock at Conrad London St James

Conrad London St James is offering up all the best and most traditional things about Christmas all wrapped up in two neat packages: The Christmas Cracker lunch package and The Jingle Bell Rock dinner package. Lunch events are £70pp and you can enjoy an evening affair for £95pp. Both packages include a three-course meal and room hire and both can be tailored to your individual needs.

Christmas markets and 1920s Charleston ball at 8 Northumberland Avenue

You can take it for granted that your 2015 Christmas party at 8 Northumberland Avenue will be a ball with not one, but two festive themes. The team is fizzing with creativity, devising elegant, original and seamless events so you don’t have to. They are bringing the outside inside this winter in the Old Billiard Room and Annex with a Christmas Market feel. Twinkling lights, snowy boughs and lashings of mulled wine make for an evening of rosy-cheeked charm and traditional festive fun, all in the bustling heart of London.

The 1920s are roaring again in the elegant, Charleston age-inspired Ballroom this Christmas. From the moment you enter the room through a giant draped curtain you are transported to another time. It’s all about dizzying decadence, gilded glamour and full-on fun, with an immaculately restored Victorian Ballroom as a backdrop.

St James Theatre brings you a cabaret Christmas

Looking for a unique venue for your Christmas gathering? How about one of London’s hottest cabaret venues, St James Theatre? They have selected Christmas dates now available in their intimate Studio space, with packages starting from just £1,600+VAT.

The Studio is a wonderful live entertainment space that lends itself to becoming a flexible and self-contained corporate events venue. With a private bar, purpose-built stage space and built-in AV and lighting, the Studio offers a unique space to hold your Christmas gathering. The venue can hold up to 100 seated and 20 standing.

St. James’ Court, a Taj hotel, presents Alice in Wonderland

This year, hold your Christmas party in Wonderland with St James’ Court’s special Alice in Wonderland themed Christmas party package.

Look forward to classic festivities with a Wonderland twist in their opulently decorated banqueting rooms and stunning Shakespearean Courtyard. Prices start from £110pp so don’t be late for this very important date!

15% off Christmas at The Law Society

A Christmas party in London’s most beautiful hidden gem, The Law Society, is a warm and inviting setting for an enchanting Christmas party. Christmas packages start from £73+VAT per person and include everything you could need for an amazing festive celebration, including superb catering, a sparkling wine reception and unlimited wine, bottled beer and soft drinks throughout, DJ and dance floor.

This flexible venue will be all yours to use as you wish for your best Christmas party yet. As a special offer they are offering you an exclusive discount of 15% off Christmas party packages. Simply quote TWCXMAS15.

Glamorous festivities at One Great George Street

Enjoy your festive lunch with family, friends and colleagues in a magnificent central London building. Tucked away behind One Great George Street’s stunning four-domed Edwardian facade, Brasserie One is a hidden gem set apart with friendly staff, formidable food and a wine list to please every palate. Party packages start from £87.00pp and include Christmas novelties and a three-course set menu with wine.

Cracking Christmas offers at St Martin-in-the-Fields

St Martin-in-the-Fields has a new sumptuous space for private dining and small group gatherings of up to 20 people. Located downstairs in the Crypt, The Apse is a circular recess and an original feature of this iconic church designed by architect James Gibbs.

The interior of the Apse has been fitted with beautiful furniture designed and created by British craftspeople. The Apse is an exciting addition to the range of St Martin’s spaces available to hire for parties, receptions, launches, conferences and meetings. To complement the event spaces St Martin’s has a special festive party package, called the Christmas Cracker, which offers guests the opportunity to party the night away in the heart of Trafalgar Square from £70 per person. For further information email [email protected].

Party til dawn this Christmas at The Athenaeum

Few places in the world are as enchanting as London at Christmas and the Athenaeum is perfectly placed in the heart of it all, nestling between the edge of Victorian Mayfair and the Royal Parks.

Make your Christmas party your own and chose from festive afternoon teas, champagne receptions or a decadent five course meal. Christmas private dining menus come with festive party favours, Christmas decorations and include room hire.

Menus start from £45pp and it doesn’t have to end there. Carry on the party and spend the night with 10% off all overnight stays for guests dining from the Private Dining Menus from 16 November to 24 December 2015! Simply Quote ‘ATHXMAS’ when enquiring.

Party in the new-look IET London: Savoy Place

Partygoers will be some of the first to experience Christmas hospitality at IET London: Savoy Place following the venue’s £32m refurbishment and two-year closure.

After its re-launch in November, guests can choose from newly refurbished rooms the Heritage Library, with two private balconies, or the Riverside Room and Roof Terrace. Both spaces offer unique panoramic views across London, including 360-degree views from the expansive Roof Terrace.

Enjoy a sparkling wine drinks reception with festive nibbles in your private room, followed by a three-course seated festive menu with coffee and petit fours, before taking to the dance floor to dance the night away.

Available from £95 + VAT per person, there is a minimum requirement of 80 guests in the Heritage Library and 150 guests in the Riverside Room. The package includes dining room hire from 18:00-23:00, half a bottle of house wine, festive table decorations and PA system and microphone.

Festive films at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly

BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, the iconic headquarters of the famous awards is the perfect venue for a unique and luxurious Christmas celebration. Guests are welcomed for a special festive screening, with the choice of seasonal classics such as It’s A Wonderful Life or an upcoming blockbuster like Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Refreshments and the food experience can be themed to match the chosen film. Prices start from £70.00pp+VAT (based on 200 guests) and a dedicated team will be on hand to help plan every element of the evening, BAFTA 195 is the ideal destination for a show-stopping Christmas event.