THE big Christmas lights switch-on is due anytime soon – and that means you're running out of time to book a venue for your festive party.
And what does it take to make the best party in town? Answer: planning.
You're more likely to get your first choice, rather than your fifth, if you book now.
It also means you can tell everyone well in advance when the big day is.
Plus, it won't do any harm in a recession to give people something to look forward to.
Before you contact a venue, identify several possible dates for your party.
Weekend parties and Friday nights in particular need to be booked far in advance. Leave it much longer and you may have to compromise and go for a midweek booking.
If you're planning to treat the family to Christmas lunch on the day itself, or even on any date during Christmas week, you may already have left it too late, but it's worth making a few phone calls just in case.
Consider how guests are going to get there – and, more importantly, how they are going to get home. If you're organising a big do for people who enjoy a drink, consider hiring a minibus to take them home. That way they can relax and enjoy themselves without any arguing about who is the designated driver.
For family occasions, a mid-point between people's homes is a starting point. If everyone lives pretty close to each other, consider staying local.
For a large group, such as the office party, find out how much people are willing to spend before booking.
How were you treated by the venue when you phoned to make your initial enquiry? Were the staff professional, polite and helpful? This could be a good indicator of how you may be treated on the night.
Just as important as finding somewhere with enough room for a large party is finding somewhere intimate enough for a smaller group.
And if you want to bring in other suppliers (for example, a DJ or special decorations) make sure your venue will allow this.
Finally, check if any of your guests have special dietary requirements and find out if the venue can cater for them.
Have a great night!