Tag Archives: christmas

Christmas party ideas

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If it’s your turn to plan the annual Christmas party. It’s a lot of pressure, —but don’t fear! Whether you’re planning a fun office party, a classy dinner, or a traditional yuletide soirée, we’ve got some great Christmas party themes to get you thinking..

1. Winter Wonderland
A winter wonderland theme works for almost any Christmas party and event. But, with such a majestic aesthetic, it works especially well for dinner parties!

Frosted and/or clear crystal, white Christmas trees, polished silver, candles, snowflake confetti, metallic decorations, tinsel, fake snow, ice sculptures, and white string lights.

Use a String Quartet, Jazz Band, Harpist, Acoustic Act, or Classical Ensemble.

2. Christmas Themes Around the World
Christmas is celebrated in a number of different ways around the world. Throwing a Christmas Around the World party is a great way to learn about other cultures! With so many various traditions, you’ll have plenty of options — mince pies and Guinness of Ireland, the Christmas Eve feast of KFC in Japan, the ‘mass’ rollerskating in Venezuela, French nativity scenes made of radishes, and the large straw goat of Gåvle, Sweden that gets burned to the ground almost annually.

International Christmas foods and beverages, flags and informational cards, and decorations made from world maps.

Use, World Music Act, Father Christmas, Carolers, or any of our wonderful International-Inspired Acts.

3. Entertainment
Ballet Dancers, String Quartet, Classical Ensemble, or hire a Choreographer to teach a simple routine! Don’t forget a DJ, not out of the ordinary but classic entertainment!

4. The worst Christmas Jumper
The worst Christmas jumper party has been a popular theme for several years and there’s no doubt why — it’s fun! everybody buys their costume at a pound shop and the more pompoms, the better. The worst Christmas jumper parties can be a hit in any crowd, but we think they’re especially fun for office parties (and it’d make for a great office photo).

Want to focus on judging the ugly sweater contest? Leave the rest of the work to a Bar staff, Caterer, Photo Booth, or Photographer!

Is Jingle Bells an original Christmas song?

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You might think of Jingle Bells being a Christmas classics, it isn’t actually a Christmas song!

If you can recall – we highly expect you to be able to – the very first lyrics to Jingle Bells sound eminently Christmassy; “Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh, over the hills we go, laughing all the way…” Horses aren’t really associated with Christmas and although snow certainly is, there’s not really anything else to link the song to everybody’s favourite holiday entertainment song. The reason for that? It…isn’t a Christmas song.

You see, although we only ever sing the first verse and chorus, there are many more lyrics to Jingle Bells that none of us really know. Some believe that the song was written for children to sing to the congregation at Sunday School. Alas, the verses none of us know go in a pretty intriguing direction with references to the sleigh crashing, a race with another sleigh owner and…err.. picking up women: “Now the ground is white, go it while you’re young, take the girls tonight, and sing this sleighing song…” Would children sing that? Probably not, though one could easily argue for the innocence of youth.

The song we sing today was written by a man named James Lord Pierpont in or around 1850. Nobody is exactly sure of the precise time at which it was written or indeed, where. What we do know is that Pierpont was an American and although he hailed from Medford in Massachusetts, he only published the song when living in Savannah, Georgia. The only reason that this is of importance is that both towns lay claim to being the birthplace of Jingle Bells.

Others believe that Jingle Bells is actually a drinking song. Historians are aware that it was a hugely popular song to sing at private parties and events, with guests ‘jingling’ the ice cubes in their glasses as they sang. Jingle all the way indeed! So which holiday is it about? If we go back to what we’ve previously written, the clue might be found in the history of Medford, Massachusetts. Back in the 1840s and 1850s, the Medford Sleigh Races were a hugely popular event with townsfolk cheering on the sleighs as they tore around the town. But they didn’t take place in December! They actually took place during Thanksgiving, which makes Pierpont’s classic ballad a song for the holidays, just not the one we all thought!

Christmas party ideas

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There are lots of ways to celebrate Christmas at the end of year office party. Many companies go for a themed occasion, but you can also strip it back a little bit. Away from the electronic entertainment and acts that require a loud sound system. You can take it all the way back to traditional Christmas party ideas, perhaps highlighting the true values of the holiday.

Victorian Performers
When thinking back to Victorian times, you might find yourself wondering what they managed to do with themselves with no television or films. We know, it’s hard to imagine. Of course, it was the theatre that they loved to visit and no doubt they were entertained by street performers en route.

Parlour Games
With all this wonderful entertainment on display, you might be thinking of wanting to hire interactive entertainment! This doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice your Victorian theme and bring in loud noises and bright lights; we’re talking parlour games like quoits. If anyone is successful then they may just win a Christmas present from the company or maybe a little more time off. Go on, be generous, it’s Christmas!

Costumed Characters
The number one thing you need to do if your employees are going to really feel as though they’ve gone back in time is to hire costumed characters. They don’t have to be famous Victorians but one or two certainly look nice (Charles Dickens for example), whilst others can mingle with the crowds, adding to the atmosphere of the occasion. A Dickensian Christmas is actually another popular theme; why not add Scrooge to the festivities whilst you’re at it?

Christmas Carol Singers
What Victorian Christmas party is complete without some Christmas carol singers. The best thing about this form of musical entertainment is that the group can wander about the venue, singing as they go, or you can make their background music a centre piece to the party.

Christmas Brass Band
A Christmas brass band can provide all the Christmas classics your party requires. They can either stick to strictly Victorian carols or play a few more modern Christmas hits once the drinks start flowing (nobody will notice the change of era once they’ve downed yet another sherry). Perfect for evoking the spirit of Christmas, opting to hire a brass band for your Christmas party always goes down well.

The Christmas Song that wasn’t

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If you can recall the very first lyrics to Jingle Bells sound eminently Christmassy; “Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh, over the hills we go, laughing all the way…” Horses aren’t really associated with Christmas and although snow certainly is, there’s not really anything else to link the song to everybody’s favourite Christmas holiday entertainment song. The reason for that? It isn’t a Christmas song.

You might think of Jingle Bells being a Christmas classics, it isn’t actually a Christmas song! Read on to find out more to the history of this festive tune. Or not-festive tune as the case may be.

The song we sing today was written by a man named James Lord Pierpont in or around 1850. Nobody is exactly sure of the precise time at which it was written or indeed, where. What we do know is that Pierpont was an American and although he hailed from Medford in Massachusetts, he only published the song when living in Savannah, Georgia. The only reason that this is of importance is that both towns lay claim to being the birthplace of Jingle Bells.

You see, although we only ever sing the first verse and chorus, there are many more lyrics to Jingle Bells that none of us really know. Some believe that the song was written for children to sing to the congregation at Sunday School. The verses none of us know go in a pretty intriguing direction with references to the sleigh crashing, a race with another sleigh owner and picking up women: “Now the ground is white, go it while you’re young, take the girls tonight, and sing this sleighing song. Would children sing that? Probably not, though one could easily argue for the innocence of youth.

Others believe that Jingle Bells is actually a drinking song. Historians are aware that it was a hugely popular song to sing at private parties, with guests ‘jingling’ the ice cubes in their glasses as they sang. Jingle all the way indeed! So which holiday is it about? If we go back to what we’ve previously written, the clue might be found in the history of Medford, Massachusetts. Back in the 1840s and 1850s, the Medford Sleigh Races were a hugely popular event with townsfolk cheering on the sleighs as they tore around the town. But they didn’t take place in December! They actually took place during Thanksgiving, which makes Pierpont’s classic ballad a song for the holidays, just not the one we all thought!

Christmas party drama

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It’s meant to be the highlight of your work calendar, but planning the office Christmas party doesn’t always bring the festive joy it promises. Most of us have had the occasional cringe-worthy moment. That said, it doesn’t have to be a disastrous or embarrassing evening.

Here are some tips to help you have a great corporate or private party Christmas event

The biggest disasters usually happen after one too many Christmas tipples, so it’s a good idea to pace yourself. While the party might have kicked off at 3pm, it’s not mandatory to guzzle beers for the rest of the night. Make the most of the buffet, drink slowly and alternate your alcoholic beverages with a glass of water. You’re less likely to embarrass yourself or wind up with a terrible hangover. It’s win/win.

It’s easy to stick with what you know at the Christmas party and spend the entire night with the same group of friends. So make sure you chat to as many people as possible throughout the evening, and spend time with different colleagues. As well as showing that you’re a real team player, you’ll have a fun night getting to know everyone.

The party is a chance to put on your glad rags and let your hair down, but it’s also a chance to get to know some of the senior staff in your organisation. If you feel like there’s a lot of corporate executives attending or it’s going to be held at a high-end venue, it might be a good opportunity to network. You’ll have a drink and a great time, but you’ll also get the chance to meet new people and get noticed.

It’s easy to be dragged into office dramas when you’ve had a few drinks. But no matter how much fun you’re having, you’re still at work and the usual politics apply. Save the bickering and moaning for your family festivities and keep things light with colleagues.

Getting home after the party can be challenging- especially if you’re strapped for cash. Pre-plan your journey in advance by booking a cab or setting an alarm on your phone for the last train. When the alarm buzzes, make sure you leave in plenty of time to pick up your coat and get to the station.

Corporate Event Christmas Songs

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When it comes to your works Christmas party, there can be a lot of heated debate over which songs to play. Do you want to play pop hits or simply whack out the Christmas classics from start to finish?

Of course these suggestions may not be in your top 5, but here a list of some very well known songs..

1. Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea
Nobody is doubting that it’s a fine Christmas ballad, but top nip into the top 5? Well done Mr. Rea! Perhaps this got extra votes due to its brilliant use in the very festive Gavin & Stacey Christmas special.

2. Last Christmas – Wham!
Wham!’s song managed to make it to number 9 in our poll, though it did take on a bit of a sad note last year when George Michael tragically died on Christmas Day. We’ll continue to listen to the song this Christmas and raise a glass to George in his absence.

3. The Fairytale of New York – The Pogues
The Fairytale of New York is a great tune but does it make you feel optimistic for the future and bring out the party atmosphere? Perhaps not!

4. Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Jackson 5
Many people wrote down only the name of the song and not the band as well. At least one guest might favour Bruce Springsteen’s effort but we’ve decided that the Jackson 5 version is perhaps the most Christmassy.

5. Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid
If The Fairytale of New York isn’t necessarily a party banger that is sure to fill the dancefloor, surely Do They Know It’s Christmas? isn’t either? Even so, Band Aid’s heartfelt plea to give money to charity is a Christmas staple and has pushed it to number 5 in our chart.

Jingle Bells

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You might think of Jingle Bells being a Christmas classics, it isn’t actually a Christmas song! Read on to find out more to the history of this festive tune. Or not-festive tune as the case may be.

The song we sing today was written by a man named James Lord Pierpont in or around 1850. Nobody is exactly sure of the precise time at which it was written or indeed, where. What we do know is that Pierpont was an American and although he hailed from Medford in Massachusetts, he only published the song when living in Savannah, Georgia. The only reason that this is of importance is that both towns lay claim to being the birthplace of Jingle Bells.

If you can recall – we highly expect you to be able to – the very first lyrics to Jingle Bells sound eminently Christmassy; “Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh, over the hills we go, laughing all the way…” Horses aren’t really associated with Christmas and although snow certainly is, there’s not really anything else to link the song to everybody’s favourite holiday entertainment song. The reason for that? It…isn’t a Christmas song.

You see, although we only ever sing the first verse and chorus, there are many more lyrics to Jingle Bells that none of us really know. Some believe that the song was written for children to sing to the congregation at Sunday School. Alas, the verses none of us know go in a pretty intriguing direction with references to the sleigh crashing, a race with another sleigh owner and…err.. picking up women: “Now the ground is white, go it while you’re young, take the girls tonight, and sing this sleighing song…” Would children sing that? Probably not, though one could easily argue for the innocence of youth.

Others believe that Jingle Bells is actually a drinking song. Historians are aware that it was a hugely popular song to sing at private parties, with guests ‘jingling’ the ice cubes in their glasses as they sang. Jingle all the way indeed! So which holiday is it about? If we go back to what we’ve previously written, the clue might be found in the history of Medford, Massachusetts. Back in the 1840s and 1850s, the Medford Sleigh Races were a hugely popular event with townsfolk cheering on the sleighs as they tore around the town. But they didn’t take place in December! They actually took place during Thanksgiving, which makes Pierpont’s classic ballad a song for the holidays, just not the one we all thought!

Christmas Entertainment 2017

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Selfridges have already opened their Christmas shop for 2017, Christmas is already at the front of people’s thoughts. Are you looking book your office Christmas party this year? With dates already being booked up it pays to get in early – we thought we’d recommend a number of acts to hire for your corporate event!

Fluxo Acrobatics

A beautiful act and one that is very often the most popular piece of entertainment at parties where it features. The acrobats features two talented acrobats performing inside a giant dome, much like those many of us had as children. As sparkling snowflakes fall around them, the duo deliver a stunning performance that showcases their incredible flexibility, grace and strength. Sure to leave all entranced, this is a must see!

Human Statues

Is there an act that you love as much as Human Statues? We aren’t sure but this hilarious concept is one that causes huge amounts of laughter no matter where the Statues reside! Appearing to all and sundry as normal Statue decoration, the Statues ‘jump’ out at guests as they arrive at your Christmas party and some of the photos are absolutely hysterical. One for those looking to focus on the fun of Christmas!

Barbican Brass

Finally, what would a Christmas party be without any festive tunes? From Jingle Bells to I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, The Barbican Brass can belt out both carols and classic festive hits alike, so why look anywhere else for your Christmas tunes? Thinking that your staff or colleagues may well prefer a break from yet another outing for Merry Christmas Everybody by Slade? No problem, The Barbican Brass can also deliver a set that simply focuses on pop songs everybody enjoys. Something for everybody then! The true spirit of Christmas.

If you’re looking to book your office Christmas party or corporate event– and we’re sorry that job has fallen to you – do not fear. If you like what you’ve read above or simply want a few more ideas,

Dare we mention Christmas?

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It will soon be almost that time of year when you dig out your fluffy jumper, drink mulled wine and enjoy the holiday with friends and families.　

Did you know that almost 11 million Brits will go to their works’ Christmas party this year? It is an annual event to let your hair down and have fun and what Christmas party would be complete without some embarrassing dancing?!?

So without further ado, here are some fun ideas for your corporate event or private party in 2017;

1. Santa’s Grotto

This can be a truly magical way to bring some fun into the office! Why not get the boss to hand out everyone’s Secret Santa presents in a grotto whilst dressed like Father Christmas himself against a Winter Wonderland backdrop?

2.Snow Machine.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Add some festive spirit to your event with fake snow. Activate it to sprinkle soft snow drops over everyone as they arrive to the party. Everyone loves snow and it can transform your private party into a magical wonderland.　

3. Rodeo Reindeer

Who can resist having a go on a bucking, spinning and twisting bronco reindeer? Great entertainment in the office will have a barrel of laughs trying to stay on as long as possible. The question is, who out of the team will win?

4. Santa and Elf hire

If you don’t want to dress up, why not hire Santa and Elf characters? They are the perfect addition to your Christmas event and can help liven up the crowd to create a fun, memorable
evening.

5. Santa’s Thrones

What better way to surprise the boss than hire an Elaborate Santa throne? Fit for a King (or Queen), these beauties would look amazing in your office and definitely create a festive feel to get everyone excited for the holidays.

6. Christmas Prop Hire

If you just plan on throwing the work’s do at the office during work hours, go to town with Christmas decorations! We have a fabulous range of Christmas props to hire including a cute frosty snowman, beautifully decorated presents to put under the Christmas tree, reindeer ornaments and much more.　　

7. Photo Booth

A better way to get all the staff together and have fun than in front of a festive background, wearing funny props and making fools of themselves? Hiring a photo booth can be the perfect entertainment idea and the staff can even record their own holiday cheer messages to each other with a video option.　

Hire Christmas entertainment now

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Christmas may seem far away when you are just about getting used to the unpredictable British Summer, but it’s worth thinking about planning your next Christmas party…

We thought we whet your appetite and tempt you with a few ideas for your Christmas Event this year:

Caricaturist
Caricaturists are a great way to entertain the guests and to salvage some memories from the year.
Most caricaturists are happy to pre-print paper with the date and logos, they can kick start conversations to kick the evening off and it’s nice to wake up with at least one thing in the morning to remind you of the night before.

Magician
Another great way to bring your guests together is with some magic and mindreading. Red Masque have some fantastic magicians advertised which will blow your guests minds without blowing your money.

These acts can mix and mingle with guests of all ages and they take little time to set up. They can be ready to go almost as quickly as this year has passed and as quickly as New Year’s Day will arrive so if you’re keen, enquire now.

Fire Performers
If it’s cold outside, or even inside, Fire Performers will add some heat to the New Year’s party and mesmerise your guests in the process. They can provide ambient performances spread throughout the evening whilst your guests mingle, or if you like they can offer a high energy, choreographed fire show that will leave them in awe. This is a sure-fire way to warm up the party.