How to plan the best COVID friendly office Christmas party

No one will argue that this year was easy and no doubt after such a long, difficult year you’re probably feeling uninspired when it comes to planning your end of year Christmas bash. However, your staff need an uplifting party now more than ever. Unfortunately, where restrictions are more relaxed, the demand for venues is very high. So, booking something ASAP needs to be at the top of your priority list.

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Real-life fun:

Rooftop Restaurant

For smaller teams wanting to feel the excitement without extraordinary planning, choose from one of many fabulous rooftop bars and restaurants such as The Emerson or Bomba . Soak up the views and enjoy the Christmas spirit while being served delicious canapes and cocktails, closer to the sun.

Private cinema

Why not book out one of the many private cinemas available for you and your team such as Thornbury Picture House . This theatre seats a luxe 57, and goes beyond just popcorn and choc-tops, offering food collaboration with Italian restaurant up the road giving you access to antipasto, meatballs, polenta chips and calamari. Not to mention, drinks from Three Ravens, Hawkers and Noisy Ritual and Padre coffee for those who aren’t getting boozy.

Brewery Party – Moon Dog World

The ideal brewery pick, encouraging bookings in a big open space with plenty of outdoor area options, plus loads of food and beer on offer.

Gin Masterclass – Patient Wolf Distillery

Located in Southbank in a converted warehouse, an adventurous cocktail menu and daytime masterclasses will get your team feeling in the know. Find out how the Patient Wolf gin is made and test it for yourself.

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Zoomed out? These virtual party options won’t put you to sleep:

TwelveDegrees Co

Melbourne-based company Twelve Degrees Co is offering Christmas packages of Australian wine and international cheese pairings, and no need to worry about running out of things to talk about as these packages are paired with a virtual masterclass so you can come out feeling like a wine connoisseur and ditch the zoom awkwardness.

Xmas Party in a Box

Send all your employees a party package filled with drink ingredients nice glassware, yummy treats from Australian producers, and party hats. The team at Xmas Party in a Box also offer you the option to book an entertainer like Jimmy Barnes, or Hamish and Andy to keep your zoom party giggling – no sad silences here.

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Suit everyone with something hybrid:

Australian venues, like Doltone House , are offering your team hybrid events this Christmas, where a portion of the workforce celebrate on location, while others can enjoy the party from home with a live broadcast.

If you need help organising your hybrid event try Brella , to outsource the stress of technical difficulties so you can enjoy the day.

Ensure the food being served for those in-person is also delivered in a timely fashion to those at home. Venues like Doltone are offering this service for you, however, worst-case scenario, give your virtual guests credit or vouchers for their own delivery and ensure they time it along with your event schedule.

A fun dress code for all no matter the location gives people a reason to dress up – even if they are at home and makes a huge difference to mood and inclusion.

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Need more COVID Christmas help? Read our COVID office party etiquette guide here.

Want to see how Fuse can help you with your permanent or temporary staffing needs this Christmas? Contact us here .