Since 1847, Searcys has been creating celebrations. The company was founded the year London’s Tom Smith invented the Christmas cracker, and the tradition of hospitality continues today.
Hannah Felton, head of central sales at Searcys shares booking trends, theming, entertainment and how corporate events are changing.
Quick tips for booking Christmas events
Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a grand celebration, insight from Searcys will help create an unforgettable festive event:
• Plan early and book smart – great venues or prime dates get snapped up early for the season
• Spend with intention – focus the budget on elements that are multifunctional
• Make it memorable – give guests something tangible and shareable to remember
• Set the tone from the start – the arrival moment defines the night
• Create a theme – a specific theme idea can make the event more magical and makes the party visually more memorable
• Include company branding – including company colours, tones and branding strengthens company culture all while everyone is having fun
• Be creative with food and drink – from champagne receptions to intimate dinners to large gatherings, the list is endless
Hannah commented: “We’re seeing a mix of formats, everything from sit down dinners to champagne and canapé receptions. What’s evolved is the entertainment. Clients are moving beyond photobooths and DJs towards something more characterful and memorable. At several venues we have worked with designers to create themed artwork for us. Corporate theming has become more creative and companies are personalising events to make them more memorable.”
Theming has grown into a trend, Hannah, added: “The HAC is known for theming, this year’s Old Hollywood Glamour Christmas package is an example. Guests travel back into a dreamscape reminiscent of 1930s and 1940s Tinseltown, immersed in an atmosphere that echoes the charm of silver screen legends and the elegance of black-tie soirées.”