With the festive season just around the corner, the whole country is slowly turning their attention from work and responsibilities to Christmas shopping and partying.

If you’ve decided to throw a last minute Christmas party of your own this year – whether it’s for family and friends or your employees and customers – we’re about to throw you a lifeline with this Christmas party checklist so your event will be a resounding success (for all the right reasons!).

Here are the most important must-do’s…

Set a budget

First things first, determine how much you can comfortably spend and budget for that amount, and nothing more. Christmas is generally an expensive time of year so don’t leave yourself short.

Decide on a date

Chances are that your guests already have something else planned for the big days over the holiday season so try and select a date that will suit most people.

Get a guest list together

Ask yourself how many people you want to attend? Is it ok for people to bring their kids or is it a strictly adult-only night out? Will you be asking people to bring their partners or leave them at home? These are all important questions that need to be answered.

Choose a venue

As hotels are normally booked up months in advance with weddings and Christmas balls at this time of year, party marqueesare becoming one of the most popular Christmas party venues in Ireland.

And because they’re weather-proof, affordable, completely customisable, cosy, comfortable, classy and totally flexible in terms of how many people they can hold, what’s not to love?

Organise the food

If you’re having the get-together in your back yard with a small group of people, you might choose to look after the food yourself, which will mean you’ll have to source the ingredients, set the menu and get busy in the kitchen.

If, on the other hand, your guest list is much longer, getting an outside caterer is most likely a better option. Either way, since it is the Christmas season, be sure to include some festive favourites in your menu.

Décor

Do you have special decorations that you’d like to hang? Or is there a specific theme that you’d like to create with your choice of fixtures and fittings? If so, choosing to have your party in somewhere that allows you to add your own personal touch is the best solution.

The entertainment factor

As it’s the season to be jolly, entertainment is essential. Whether it’s in the form of a live band, a choir, your favourite DJ, or something alternative like a hypnotist or magic show, make your bookings as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Oh, and it goes without saying that a visit from Santa is a must if there will be kids in attendance at your party.

Dress code

If dress code is important, you need to tell your guests whether you’d prefer them to come in formal, casual or in a Christmas-themed outfit. And, to make sure each of your guests is dressed appropriately, everyone must get the memo on dress code.

And there you have it; your go-to Christmas party planning checklist. Now that we’ve made the list for you, check it twice to be sure your event is a success!