Half way thru the year we have to start thinking about Christmas!
- Chris Jones
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
Planning a Private Christmas Party or Dinner in December 2025:
The Ultimate Wave Guide
Organising a private Christmas party or dinner is a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season with friends, family, or colleagues. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a larger event, careful planning is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly. With expert event staff from Wave Staffing, you can relax and enjoy the festivities, knowing every detail is in capable hands.
1. Set Your Budget and Guest List
Begin by establishing a clear budget that covers all aspects of your event, including venue hire, catering, decorations, entertainment, and staffing. Next, create your guest list. The number of attendees will influence your choice of venue and the level of staffing required.
2. Choose the Perfect Venue
Select a venue that matches your party’s style—whether it’s a cosy home, a hired function room, or a luxury hotel. Many venues offer Christmas party packages, which can simplify planning and often include in-house catering and decoration options. For private events, consider the layout and ensure there’s enough space for dining, mingling, and any planned entertainment.
3. Decide on Your Party Style and Theme
Will your party be formal, casual, or themed? A classic winter wonderland, a black-tie affair, or a festive jumper party are all popular choices. Your theme will guide your decorations, menu, and even the dress code.
4. Plan Your Menu and Catering
Craft a menu that delights your guests. Traditional roasts, mince pies, festive canapés, and seasonal drinks like mulled wine are always crowd-pleasers. Ensure you accommodate dietary requirements by collecting this information when sending out invitations. Decide if you’ll use in-house catering, hire external caterers, or prepare the food yourself.
5. Arrange Entertainment and Decorations
Entertainment can range from a Magician, DJ or live music to photo booths and games. Decorations should reflect your chosen theme and create a warm, festive atmosphere. Don’t forget to add those special finishing touches—candles, fairy lights, and mistletoe can make a big difference.
6. Send Out Invitations Early
Design invitations that capture the spirit of your party and include all the essential details: date, time, location, theme, and any dress code. Request RSVPs and dietary information to help with planning.
7. Create a Detailed Event Schedule
A clear timeline helps you stay organised and ensures a smooth flow throughout the evening. For example:
6:00 pm: Guests arrive and are greeted by staff
6:30 pm: Appetisers and drinks served
7:00 pm: Guests are seated for dinner
7:15–8:00 pm: Main course and sides served
8:15 pm: Dessert and coffee
8:30 pm onwards: Entertainment and socialising
8. Enlist Professional Event Staff
To elevate your event and reduce stress, consider hiring professional event staff.
We provide reliable, experienced personnel for all aspects of your party, including:
Waiting and bar staff to serve food and drinks efficiently
Event setup and clear-down to ensure everything is ready before guests arrive and tidied away afterwards
Cloakroom, Valet parking, and car parking management for smooth guest arrivals and departures
We offer bespoke solutions tailored to your needs and budget, with no minimum staff requirements and flexible shift times. Our staff are known for their professionalism, friendliness, and initiative, helping to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
9. Prepare for Logistics
Arrange transport or accommodation if needed, especially if guests are travelling from further afield. Ensure you have a clear plan for set-up, service, and clean-up, and communicate this with your staff and any volunteers.
10. Enjoy the Festivities!
With everything in place, you can relax and enjoy your private Christmas party. Professional staff will handle the details, allowing you to focus on celebrating with your guests and creating lasting memories.
Why Choose Wave Staffing for Your Christmas Party?
We are a leading event staffing provider in Oxfordshire, offering a wide range of services for private dinners and parties. Our team is experienced, professional, and adaptable, ensuring your event runs smoothly from start to finish. Whether you need waiting staff, bar attendants, or full event management, we can deliver high-quality service tailored to your requirements.
In Summary
Planning a private Christmas party or dinner in December 2025 is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the season in style. By setting a budget, choosing the right venue and theme, planning your menu, and enlisting the help of professional staff like those from Wave Staffing, you can create a memorable and stress-free event for everyone involved.
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