Christmas party trends 2021

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Or at least, a lot like Christmas parties can go ahead this year. We’re not sure we could go another twelve months without celebrating the festive season, and here at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace, we’re already counting down the days until we can start decking the halls.

This year, we want to help you really push the boat out and host a fantastic night of festivities for colleagues to remember for many Christmases to come. There’s plenty of partying to make up for – and what better excuse to celebrate than Christmas? That said, it’s been longer than usual since any of us have had to think about organising parties… so what should people be expecting when it comes to the festive season?

Whilst trends come and go every year, for Christmas 2021, things are set to be a little different. Fortunately, we’ve been keeping a close eye on what these new influences could be. For a sneak peek as to what’s shaping up to be popular this season, take a look at our Christmas party packages below.

So, what are our predictions for Christmas parties in 2021? We’ve compiled a list of what might be in store for the holiday season.

Back to the basics: taking the traditional route

No need for any fancy themes this year; it’s a novelty to be attending parties again at all! After a year of uncertainty, the familiarity of our favourite holiday – in all its tinsel-clad glory – sounds like the perfect way to round off 2021.

That’s why we’re going back to Christmas basics and focusing on all things traditional with our party packages. Think silver and gold, red and green, candles and crackers and spectacular Christmas trees. Put down those deconstructed cranberry tartlets; homemade mince pies are back on the menu. It’s the most wonderful time of year after all, and if it isn’t broken? Don’t fix it!

Bye-bye to the buffet

With guests likely to still be a little Covid-wary come December, the buffet table will continue to take a back seat this Christmas season. To avoid any mealtime melees, pre-portioned and individual food options will become the norm: our packages offer bespoke menus to fit this trend, designed by our in-house and award-winning caterers, Searcys.

You’ll find a choice of canapes per person as well as a mouth-watering selection of self-contained bowl foods, allowing people to celebrate with total peace of mind.

Moving away from the buffet also brings some additional perks. Sit-down dinners impart a real sense of occasion: a designated time to slow down, enjoy the meal and the company, and celebrate the achievements from yet another unpredictable year. That, in our opinion, is worth forfeiting the finger food.

With this in mind, we anticipate catering will play a bigger part than usual and so this season Searcy’s have expertly designed their menus to both comfort and delight guests. Better yet, you’ll find the ingredients used are sustainably sourced, seasonally-focused and cater for all dietary requirements including vegetarians, vegans and coeliac.

Anna Fenton, Head of Brand, Comms and Marketing at Searcys shared what they see being the core food trends: "For 2021, we see people just wanting to enjoy what they already know and love. A traditional Christmas dinner, done right and enjoyed with good company. After more than a year spent missing out on so much, it's wonderful that teams and colleagues will finally get the chance to come together again - and it's more important than ever for many as lots of businesses have made the permanent switch to remote work. Catering for Christmas parties should be delicious and comforting, with a touch of indulgence. An equal star of the show this year alongside the company of others!"

More is more

To make up for having to hold back these last 18 months, we can see more being the buzzword for organisers this Christmas. This everything-and-then-some attitude is one we can definitely get behind. It’s a chance to go all-out with decorations, dancing (fingers crossed!), and feasts. And why not? We’re sure your colleagues or clients have earnt it!

It’s important to us that there are plenty of opportunities to add that little extra sparkle. As we know, it’s often these details that transform a party into an unforgettable event. All our packages come with available upgrades, whether it’s an additional course at lunchtime, or even delicious festive cocktails on arrival.

Really, the opportunity to add more, more, more is endless! If you’d like a little inspiration on more décor, options for extra entertainment or additional production, our recommended suppliers could definitely help out. This year, it’s Christmas with all the trimmings, and if there’s a chance to ramp-up the festivities, we’re all for it.

Nathan Hassall, Agency Director and Professor of Saxophone at London College of Music, shared: “I think this Christmas will focus on the getting the classic ingredients of party spot on. We've all sacrificed and missed out on so much during the pandemic that I think people will want (and deserve!) to treat themselves with the very best. Gorgeous venues, great food, awesome entertainment. The whole experience: something designed to let people unwind and truly enjoy themselves. This will be the year of the Christmas party we all need!”

Renowned London florist, Karen Woolven, told us: "This year, I think the trend is going to continue with a very naturalistic style with plenty of foliage elements with eucalyptus continuing to be very popular. As we are still in a little turmoil from the events of the last 18 months, as with last year, I think clients are going to want to make it more magical than usual, opting for big, bold stylish blooms such as amaryllis to give maximum, luxurious impact for parties."

Thursdays are the new Friday

With companies having to miss out on their parties last year, demand is set to be higher than usual this season. Securing a venue for the weekend may well become too tricky – or too expensive – and mean a Thursday or even Wednesday night could be some businesses’ best option.

It might require a little adjustment, but these are extraordinary times, so prepare for a potential shake-up in scheduling. That’s not to say a midweek Christmas party doesn’t have its benefits. Greater venue availability and flexibility will suit businesses with packed schedules, and those in charge of budget will likely make some savings on venue hire costs. Plus, it’s a sure-fire way to beat the hump-day blues, setting the tone for a truly celebratory end of year.

Going a little further afield (but not too far)

There’s a balance to be struck this holiday. 2021 has been the year of the staycation: we know people are ready to get out of the house, just perhaps not ready to go too far afield. For many, London is the perfect middle-ground - literally and metaphorically. It has so much to offer, excellent transport links, and is just the place to give guests a real treat after a long, long time at home.

London at Christmas is especially magical, renowned for its stunning lights and shop front displays; there is arguably no better place to be during December. {10-11} Carlton House Terrace is a short walk from the Strand with its spectacular light display, and closer still to Trafalgar Square, which dazzles onlookers with its famous Christmas tree (typically over twenty metres tall!).

For teams who have permanently moved to remote working, a central location is ideal. London’s accessibility makes for easier travelling to and from the venue, and, after months of screen-only contact, a Christmas party is a fantastic – and much-needed – opportunity to catch up in-person.

London Christmas party venue to hire

If you’re looking to organise a stand-out Christmas party this year, {10-11} Carlton House Terrace is offering three Festive packages – Lunch, Dinner, and Standing Reception – to make this holiday season one to remember. The Grade-I listed townhouse is situated in the heart of London, minutes from Charing Cross Station and Trafalgar Square: enjoy period elegance, an unbeatable location, and a choice of beautiful rooms to celebrate this years’ festivities.

Whether you’re looking to organise an intimate Christmas lunch or a show-stopping evening party, each package draws on the expertise of exceptional suppliers to ensure your event runs seamlessly, from catering through to atmospheric background music. You can also party with peace of mind as the venue’s team is committed to delivering covid-safe events and are keeping relevant safety measures in place for the foreseeable future

To find out more about {10-11} Carlton House Terrace’s Festive Packages, please speak to a member of the private hire team on 0207 969 5224 or make an enquiry at info@10-11cht.co.uk. Further information is available for download on our Christmas parties page.