How to Plan the Best December Social in 10 Easy Steps

Finding Christmas party ideas is one thing; organising a get-together that works for everyone is another. It can be an overwhelming time of year, with 45% of Britons finding Christmas a stressful experience – with money worries and family expectations among the concerns. 

Planning your work Christmas social, friends’ get-together or family celebration doesn't need to add to that list. With a clear budget, a few early decisions and an activity everyone can get involved in, you can organise the best December social without leaving everything until the last minute! Let's work together to try and make this festive season a little calmer. 

10 steps to planning the best December social everyone will adore

1. Start planning early

December calendars fill up quickly, particularly for larger teams and popular venues. Start organising in October or early November if you can, so you have more choice over dates, activities and locations. Use this simple checklist to get the ball rolling: 

• Set a planning deadline: Give yourself a few weeks to compare your options and confirm bookings.

• Choose a rough guest list: You’ll need an estimated headcount before getting to the quotes stage. 

• Book the essentials first: Secure your venue and activity before arranging the smaller details.

• Send invitations early: Include the date, location, timings and estimated cost so guests can plan ahead! 

2. Set yourself a realistic budget

Before choosing a venue or activity, work out how much you can spend per person. If you're planning a workplace social, this is especially important for you! Divide your spending into a few handy categories:

• Venue and activity: Include room hire, workshop fees and any minimum spend.

• Food and drink: Decide whether you’ll provide a meal, snacks or just drinks. 

• Travel: Consider public transport, parking and late-night journeys home.

• Extras: Leave a little room for decorations, prizes or unexpected costs.

Ask for a full quote before committing to a booking, particularly for private workshops where the price may depend on group size. By sticking to a rough plan, you can avoid overspending and make sure that every element of the party is accounted for – and don't forget to include a contingency fund for any unexpected expenses!

3. Pick a date and time that suits your guests

Selecting the perfect date and time for your gathering is essential, whether you’re bringing together your closest colleagues or your distant cousins – after all, it’s only really a fun Christmas party if everyone can make it! 

Things to consider:

• Drop a quick poll in a group chat to narrow down a few possible dates. 
• Consider working hours: For office teams, an afternoon activity complete with food might be easier to organise than a late night out. 
• Think about travel: A venue near a train or bus station can make life easier for anyone travelling in. 
• Plan around the activity! Allow extra time for arrival, mingling, snacking etc. 

Once you've chosen the date, send out 'save the date' notices to make sure your guests can make it.

4. Decide on the all-important theme

Choosing a theme for the festivities can add an extra layer of excitement to the event. Well chosen Christmas party themes will help you to plan decorations, activities, and even the dress code – once you’ve got your theme down, everything else will fall into place!

Some inspiration to get you started:

• Winter craft club: Think handmade decorations, hot drinks and a relaxed creative workshop.

• Festive food and drink: Build the event around seasonal baking, cocktail-making or a shared meal.

• Cosy and homey Christmas: Keep things informal with warm lighting, comfortable seating and easy-to-share food.

• Festive fancy dress: Invite guests to wear Christmas jumpers or dress as characters from their favourite seasonal films.

Keep the theme optional if you want everyone to feel comfortable taking part. A few coordinated details are plenty! 

5. Find the perfect venue that works for your group

The venue you choose sets the tone for your Christmas party, so consider how many guests you’ve got and your chosen theme. For a more intimate gathering, hosting at home could be perfect, but for larger groups, look into hiring a hall or booking a space at a local restaurant or community centre.

Check these details:

• Is there enough room for everyone to sit, eat and take part?

• Is it accessible by public transport, with suitable facilities for your guests?

• Can you bring your own refreshments, or does the venue provide catering?

• If you're planning a workshop, are materials and equipment included?

• Check the venue's facilities and ask about any requirements your group may have.

6. Plan food and drink around the event

No party is complete without delicious food and drinks – especially at Christmas! Refreshments help guests settle in, but you don't need to organise a full meal if the activity is only an hour or two. Match the menu to the timings and make sure people know what's included.

• For an afternoon event: Offer tea, coffee, soft drinks and a mix of sweet and savoury festive treats! 

• For an evening gathering: Consider sharing platters, buffet food or a nearby restaurant booking.

• For a longer session: Plan a proper break so guests can eat and catch up without rushing.

• For mixed dietary needs: Ask about allergies and dietary requirements in advance, and label food where possible.

• For drinks: Include alcohol-free options alongside any cocktails, wine or beer.

Fancy combining the edibles with the activities? Opt for a festive cooking class or cocktail making workshop to keep everyone entertained and refreshed at the same time! 

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7. Choose a festive activity everyone can enjoy

An organised activity gives the group a shared focus and makes it easier for guests to chat, especially if not everyone knows each other well. Creative workshops are worth considering because guests can try something new and take home what they've made! 

Our top picks:

1. Christmas candle making workshop in Whitechapel, London – £55pp. 

2. Mini wreath making workshop in Manchester – £35pp. 

3. Festive edible gifts cooking workshop in Cheshire – £80pp.

4. Christmas bauble painting workshop in Manchester – £30pp. 

5. Lino printed Christmas stocking workshop in Borough, London – £48pp. 

8. Make the event easy to join in with

Some people might struggle with the social pressures of Christmas celebrations. Pick activities that give people a few different ways to get involved, without putting anyone on the spot.

A few fun options to consider: 

• A low-pressure quiz: Keep rounds short, with a mix of general knowledge and festive questions.

• A small-group challenge: Let guests work together on a craft, puzzle or team task.

• A creative workshop: Choose something with step-by-step guidance, so beginners don't feel they need to be artistic.

• A conversation prompt jar: Add light questions to tables for anyone who wants help starting a conversation.

• A flexible schedule: Leave time for people to chat and take breaks.

9. Add a few thoughtful personal touches

Don't rush to the shops and buy up all the decorations! A few little touches can be nicer than dropping your budget on single-use decorations. 

Try these ideas:

• Create a playlist: Ask guests to suggest a few songs before the event.

• Add a photo spot: A simple festive backdrop can be enough for group pictures. Hosting at home and got your Christmas tree up? Sorted! 

• Personalise the tables: Name cards, handwritten menus or a small seasonal decoration can help the space feel welcoming.

• Plan a small thank-you: This could be a handmade decoration from the workshop, a treat bag or a card.

• Share the photos afterwards: Send pictures to the group once everyone has had a chance to get home.

If your guests make something during the workshop, that can double as a keepsake. It saves you from having to source separate party favours and gives people something they can use or display! 

10. Confirm the details and send everyone home happy!

A quick final check in a few days before your party can prevent any last-minute confusion. 

Use this final checklist:

☐ Confirm the booking, start time, address and final guest numbers.

☐ Check the cancellation policy and any remaining payments that might be due. 

☐ Share travel information and arrival instructions.

☐ Confirm food orders, dietary requirements and refreshments.

☐ Check what guests need to bring, if anything.

☐ Make sure someone knows who to contact if plans change.

☐ Thank everyone for coming! 

If you're organising a workplace gathering, it can also be useful to ask for quick feedback afterwards. Find out what people enjoyed and what they'd change next time, so the next event is even easier to arrange! 

Planning the best December social: your ultimate cheat sheet

Make memories without the last-minute scramble

By following these tips and incorporating our festive workshops into your plans, you'll be well on your way to hosting a fun Christmas party that everyone will love – and nobody will be able to forget! 

Whether you're organising an office get-together in London, a creative afternoon in Manchester or a festive gathering closer to home, a workshop can make planning simpler by combining entertainment with something guests can take away.

With a bit of early planning, a well-considered budget, and a creative theme, it'll be the best December social ever – so start organising now and look forward to a holiday celebration filled with joy and wonderful memories.