Headstart: Careers – Christmas is coming.

Headstart: Careers - Christmas is coming.

If you are planning an office party this year log on to ensure a good time is had by all

Hallowe’en and Guy Fawkes night may be just around the corner, but the sights of most office workers are set on the infamous Christmas party.

Inevitably, tall tales and exaggerated gossip from last year’s bash are being rehashed up and down the British Isles with many swearing not to get as drunk, chat up that colleague or tell the boss what you think of them again.

But forget those empty promises. Half the fun of the morning after is walking into the office shamefaced and laughing at yourself. It’s all in the name of character building.

And don’t be put off by fears of recession. In last week’s AccountancyAge/Reed Accountancy Personnel Big Question survey 84% of almost 300 FDs said they would be setting aside funds for a Christmas do. As one points out: ‘It’s one of the few occasions where the company gets together … and lets their hair down, which is a very important aspect of life.’

Now all you have to do is decide on what outfit to wear. We’ve done the rest for you.

One of the most comprehensive sites is www.partyparties.co.uk which offers a vast array of options, free booking service and a no obligation provisional booking service.

The site is jovial and the Christmas parties’ section is glaringly obvious.

And to make it easier there is a step-by-step guide to booking your party.

There are two types of party to choose from; shared and private. The shared parties cater for smaller groups of up to 300 people. If you’re looking for something more exclusive they offer venues suitable for up to 2,000 people. Your evening could be a themed soiree in Siberia, an Edwardian night on the tiles or the non-stop party bus experience.

So all you have to do is register your requirements and they’ll do the rest, they claim, subject to suitability of course.

Although less visually attractive, www.eventwise.co.uk is another good generic party arranging site. You can choose from themes like the opulence of a pre-revolutionary Russia recreated in the heart of Kensington, a night ‘plundering the pyramids’, or you could relive your youth with a night in Narnia. And they promise that if they haven’t got what you want, all you have to do is ‘fill in a free online advice form and we’ll find it for you’.

If a themed event isn’t for you and you’re after a more conventional night out, take a look at www.squaremeal.co.uk. Here you can select restaurants by location, cuisine and the all important price range. Despite lacking aesthetic beauty the site is straightforward and easily navigable and also has a selection of Christmas-orientated ideas. It is not too London-heavy either.

And just in case you weren’t already up to speed on the rules of the game, the BBC’s Working Life online section (www.bbc.co.uk/education/work/life/parties.shtml) gives you a few personal experiences of Christmas party etiquette. For example, don’t – drink too much, do – make an effort to meet people you don’t normally mix with. And if you drink to much and your worst fears about your behaviour are realised, you can always navigate your way through to the jobs section.

IT’S TIME TO PARTY: GET READY FOR THAT CHRISTMAS BASH WITH OUR TOP FOUR WEBSITES

www.squaremeal.co.uk

Reasonable selection of restaurants of varying prices, location and fare. Includes a selection of Christmas-orientated ideas. Take your pick

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www.bbc.co.uk/education/work/life/parties.shtml

Absolutely crucial tips before the big event. After the event you can share your experiences with the world

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www.eventwise.co.uk

Generic simple site offering everything from ‘plundering the pyramids’ to a night in Narnia. If nothing else, it’ll give you a few ideas.

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www.partyparties.co.uk

Comprehensive, easy-to-use guide to for groups from 300 to 2000. A site that will make your Christmas bash the event of the year.

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