12 Alternative Christmas Parties For 2020

Penni Black: 12 Canapé Tasting Menu

BEST FOR: Festive nibbles.

Maybe you’re opting for an informal online get together – but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some festive bites and bubbles to go with. Penni Black can provide attendees with a 12-canapé tasting menu, designed around the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ song. It also has a Nordic julbord menu, complete with wood, pine and twinkly lights to dress your at-home venue. Or, if it’s an alternative style you’re looking for, there’s an opulent medieval-style feast on offer. For those looking for something small, choose the drop-off canapé box, which comes ready to serve, and the company can also provide a bucket of beverages on ice, with twist-and-shake Christmas jam jar cocktails ready to go.

Visit PenniBlack.co.uk

The Event Book: ‘Christmas Delivered’

BEST FOR: Fun-filled activities.

‘Christmas Delivered’ is The Event Book’s virtual party solution for 2020. With packages starting from £25, and everything fully customisable, ‘Christmas Delivered’ enables you to celebrate and thank your employees in what has been a challenging 2020. The boxes will be delivered to your team five days prior to the event – with no-one allowed to open their box until the party starts. On the day of the event, everyone will gather online on bespoke banqueting and events software with no download required (we’re told it’s far superior to Zoom), to enjoy a fun and fully hosted two-and-a-half-hour party experience. To make it extra special, why not opt for a specialist masterclass for everyone to take part in? Choose from wreath making, a cheese and wine tasting or cocktail making – to name a few.

Visit TheEventBook.UK 

Evolve Events: ‘Christmas In A Box’

BEST FOR: A transportive experience.

‘Christmas In A Box’ is the hassle-free way to host a virtual Christmas party this year. Every team member will receive a box at home tailored to their requirements and filled with Christmas menus developed by leading caterers Caiger & Co. While you feast at home, a range of entertainment will be broadcast straight to your living room, from Evolve’s virtual alpine lodge. With over 15 different virtual entertainment acts to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find something to get everyone engaged, while also supporting your brand and company’s ethos. Want to try it out before you commit? The company regularly hosts showcase events so bosses and managers can see what they’re getting everyone into. There are also a range of boxes available, depending on budget. 

Visit Evolve-Events.com

MGN Events: Virtual Christmas Parties

BEST FOR: End-to-end planning.

With more than 60 virtual activities on offer, there’s bound to be something to keep your team happy this Christmas at MGN. To make the party extra special, the company will design, pack and ship bespoke boxes including all the equipment, gifts and ingredients your teams need to participate. From virtual wellbeing workshops to lip-sync battles, you’ll benefit from expert pre-event management, gift sourcing, a personal online technician and even post-event support. Quotes are available via online enquiry, and the company’s team of virtual party planners are on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly. 

Visit MGNEvents.co.uk

Office Party Box: Christmas Party Boxes

BEST FOR: Those on a budget. 

Whether you send them as part of an online party or just as a gift, think of this as the affordable way to treat your staff in the wake of a difficult year. With treats including traditional Quality Street, festive-flavoured popcorn and cosy socks, the boxes start from just £25pp. Keen to push the boat out for senior team members or those who have made an outstanding contribution this year? The luxe office party box makes for a special gift for staff, full of tasty but healthy snacks. Think gluten-free sea salt crackers in addition to all-time favourites such as clotted cream fudge and Scottish oatcakes.

Visit OfficePartyBox.co.uk 

The Office Christmas Party: ‘Virtual Festive Frenzy’

BEST FOR: Competitive types.

If Christmas parties of years gone by usually take a competitive turn (think pub quizzes, trivia rounds and games), then fear not – The Office Christmas Party company has you covered. Go virtual this year with its ‘Festive Frenzy’ activity bundle, packed full of interactive, festive-themed trivia. With three rounds to take part in, participants will have to work together to answer a range of fun, festive trivia questions, plus photo and video challenges. Whether you're re-enacting your favourite festive film or working against the clock to score those extra important bonus points – there really is something for everyone to get involved in. Plus, they’ll ensure teams are brought together at various points for some group challenges. Prices start from £12pp +VAT, plus a £250 +VAT remote facilitation fee per 50 participants. 

Visit OfficeChristmas.co.uk

Clownfish Events: ‘The Christmas Takeaway’

BEST FOR: High-energy entertainment. 

With this package, your company and colleagues are the stars of the show, broadcast live from Clownfish’s own studio. Expect high-energy entertainment, with a live DJ, charismatic host and interactive games and challenges via a company-branded microsite. Want to see your bosses go head to head? Rules permitting, you can even send two or three colleagues to the studio for a live showdown.

Visit ClownfishEvents.com 

Yes Entertainment: Virtual Christmas Parties

BEST FOR: Large numbers.

With bronze, silver and gold packages available, the team at Yes Entertainment can cater for offices anywhere between six and 600 people. By booking virtual ‘tables’ you’ll be seated with a small selection of colleagues to drink and chat about the past year, while more elite packages contain everything from cocktail-making classes to wine hampers sent out to every guest. With prices starting from just £35pp, there are already a host of dates blocked out on the company’s website – so make you move quick.

Visit YesEntertainment.co.uk
 

DISCLAIMER: Guidelines on public gatherings continue to change frequently in the UK and elsewhere around the world. Check government advice regularly before booking.