I’m organising our staff Christmas party but I’m stuck for ideas!

Hi Aunty B,

I was wondering if we can open up the question of where employers have taken their staff for their Christmas parties in the past?

We want something simple, but memorable.

We have done restaurants, comedy clubs, white water rafting, theatre restaurants and in-house BBQs.

Thanks for taking some stress off me.

Regards,
Non-Party Animal
Sydney

Dear Non-Party Animal,

Well, I run a media company that is full of journalists. Some are famous and are used to the high life. The first thing they do wherever we turn up for the party is approach the nearest barman and ask how much is on the bar which then determines what type of liquor they request as they are thirsty but discerning drinkers. They also like their food and spend weeks before asking for menu details which they then talk about incessantly on Twitter and Facebook. Given their huge following, this always puts me under great pressure to find somewhere fabulous.

The surprise element? Surprise gifts. Last year we got a heap from RedBalloon. We pulled some out of a hat that were hilarious. Crikey‘s First Dog on the Moon received a vanity photography session. Being very pushy he made me swap that with him and he ended up with my hot air balloon ride for two (I pretended to mind but I didn’t really). Our IT guy who is Indian pulled a spray tan voucher out of the hat which he swapped with our 68-year-old publisher who received a pole dancing lesson.

I also wrote a little blurb about each person which I read out before giving them a gift for a personal touch. The views from the 28th floor of Crown’s Metropole Hotel weren’t too shabby either. A great night was had by all judging from the social media chat the next day. So much so in fact, I had to order in large plates of fried food before 11am.

We’re not sure what we’re doing this year, but my preference is always a great restaurant with excellent wine and food, preferably by a pool and with surprise gifts or hampers.

Over to you SmartCompany people.

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

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