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How to Organise a Christmas Party Last-Minute Without Losing Your Marbles

So, you’re bobbing along, basking in the pre-yule glow, and you’re suddenly tasked to organise a Christmas party that should have been sorted months ago (if people had their s**t together)! Because most venues are already booked solid by this point. And even Santa would give you a raised eyebrow if you asked for a miracle.


But fear not! There are still ways to organise a Christmas party that sparkles, even if you think the seasonal ship has sailed without you.


Deep breath. And let’s turn the potential chaos into festive finesse.

A young woman with long blonde hair in a sequinned dress on her mobile phone, trying to organise a Christmas party last minute.

Start with the Bare Necessities You Need to Organise a Christmas Party Late


You’ve got a limited window to pull this off. Efficiency is non-negotiable. And your first step is to collect all the vital info you need to secure a venue. Time to get a solid grip on key factors like:


·        Number of guests expected

·        Location 

·        Budget

·        Date and time (Prime dates might be gone. But off-peak dates or lunch events could still be on the table.)


And what about when your first-choice venues have politely laughed you off the phone? This means looking at less conventional options, like private spaces in bars, restaurants and other out of the ordinary venues.


The thing is, no one’s expecting the Ritz at this point. But a jolly festive setting works wonders at making spirits bright.


Choose a Theme for Less Stress, More Fest


Christmas themes don’t need to be over-the-top. In fact, the simpler the better when you’re on a tight deadline to organise a Christmas party. For example, a colour scheme is always a winner, like ‘Winter Wonderland’ with whites, silvers, and sparkles, or ‘Rustic Christmas’ with reds, greens, and lots of plaid.


Also, let the venue décor guide your theme. Keeping it simple will save you running around and getting a few extra grey hairs, giving you more mulled wine time. So, choose wisely!

A group of young men and women dresed up for a Christmas party, holding champagne flutes, standing on a dancefloor with gold and silver balloons as glitterballs.

Give Yourself Some Food for Thought


Food and drinks can feel like a logistical nightmare when you’re short on time. But keep calm and lean on the classics:


·        Daytime gatherings - A sweet treat table with festive cookies and cupcakes coupled with a build-your-own hot chocolate bar might just get grins from all the gang.

·        Evening do’s - Go hearty with a comforting menu of turkey sliders, mini pies, and a gourmet mac and cheese station. Festive but fuss-free.


Pro tip: Tap into local catering gems offering packages for smaller, off-peak events. You’ll be surprised what you can get last-minute when you ask nicely!


Keep the Entertainment Simple but Spirited


You can add some shimmies to your shindig even when you’re tasked to organise a Christmas party without reasonable notice. The key is opting for easy-to-organise activities. This isn’t the Oscars, after all. Instead, opt for unexpected, just-right fun to make everybody merry. For instance:


·        Christmas cracker game - Fill them with mini gifts or funny dares instead of the usual bad hat and even worse jokes.

·        Festive gift swap - Secret Santa with a twist. Guests pick a number and choose a wrapped gift or ‘steal’ from someone else. Cheeky and competitive!

·        Karaoke corner - A laptop, a microphone, and a few brave souls are all you need for an impromptu Christmas carol sing-off.

A festive table with glasses of mulled wine, mince pies, red baubles, holly, candles and a present tied with a gold bow.

Stay Cheerful and Sane


Being asked to organise a Christmas party at the eleventh hour can feel like a nightmare. But keep your eyes on the prize - which is a fun-filled celebration. Remember, some of the best bashes are thrown together in a flash because you’re focused on creating a great experience, so:


·       Keep on top of your game

·       Don’t sweat the small stuff

·       Lean on your suppliers and partners


Even if it feels like you’re pulling a reindeer out of a hat, all your guests will remember is the festive cheer, the laughter, and, of course, the cheeky hot chocolate bar!



A casually dressed young man and woman with a wrapped present, wearing sparkly Santa hats and cheering at a Christmas party.

At The Venue Hunters, we know from experience planning a last-minute Christmas party isn’t impossible, just a little daunting. But with quick and clever FREE venue finding and thinking outside the (gift) box, you can transform a tight deadline into a party that jingles all the bells.


So, channel your inner elf, drop us a line today, and let's deck the halls without getting your tinsel in a tangle!

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