The nights are drawing in, and if you're organising a Christmas party this year — whether it's a family gathering, a work do, or a full-blown festive celebration — now is the time to start planning.The best venues, dates and hire equipment get booked up quickly in the run-up to December, so a little early planning goes a long way towards a stress-free celebration.
Whether you're hosting 20 guests in your garden marquee or 200 at a corporate Christmas party, here's everything you need to think about to get your event hire sorted well ahead of the festive rush.
Start with Your Guest Numbers and Venue
Before you book anything, nail down two things: how many people are coming, and where the party will be held. This decides everything else — from how many tables and chairs you'll need, to whether you need a gazebo or marquee for extra space, to how much crockery and glassware to order.
A good rule of thumb:
- Round tables (5ft) comfortably seat 8–10 guests, ideal for sit-down dinners
- Trestle tables (6ft) work well for buffets, drinks stations or up to 8 guests dining
- If your venue is tight on indoor space, a 3x3 gazebo can extend your party outdoors, with optional sides and heaters to keep things cosy even in December
Sort Your Tableware Early
Nothing says "thrown together at the last minute" like mismatched plates and borrowed cutlery. For a polished Christmas party, proper china, glassware and cutlery make a real difference — and hiring means no washing up afterwards.
Consider:
- China hire — classic white china suits both festive and formal settings, and works whether you're serving a three-course dinner or a canapé reception
- Glass hire — don't forget champagne flutes and wine glasses for the toasts, plus tumblers and glasses for softs and spirits
- Cutlery hire — matching cutlery for starters, mains and desserts keeps table settings looking sharp
💡 Tip: Order a little extra of everything. Glasses get topped up more than once at a Christmas party, and having spares on hand means you're not washing up mid-event.
Don't Forget the Table Dressing
White table linen and napkins instantly elevate a party setting, whether you're going for a classic white Christmas look or layering in your own festive colours with decorations, crackers and centrepieces. Book your linen alongside your tables so everything arrives ready to set up in one go.
Keep Everyone Warm and Comfortable Outdoors
If part of your celebration is happening outside — a garden marquee, a gazebo-covered dining area, or a drinks reception before guests move indoors — heaters are essential for a December event. Pair a gazebo with sides and a heater to create a genuinely cosy, weatherproof space, rather than leaving guests shivering between courses.
Get the Catering Right
Christmas parties usually call for something a bit more special than a standard buffet. Depending on your event, you might consider:
- A sit-down meal for a formal dinner-party feel
- Canapés and a fork buffet for a more relaxed mingling event
- A BBQ or mezze-style spread if you're going for something less traditional
Whatever you choose, make sure your catering equipment — chafing dishes, stainless platters, fuel and ice buckets — is booked alongside your food, so hot food stays hot and drinks stay cold throughout the evening.
Consider Extra Staffing
A Christmas party is one night you don't want to spend running back and forth to the kitchen. Hiring waiting staff, bar staff or a kitchen porter for the evening means you (and your guests) can actually enjoy the party. This is especially worth considering for larger gatherings of 30+ guests, or corporate events where you want the evening to feel effortlessly hosted.
A Simple Christmas Party Checklist
- Confirm guest numbers and venue
- Book tables and chairs for your final headcount
- Order china, glassware and cutlery (plus a little extra)
- Choose table linen and napkins
- Book a gazebo, sides and heaters if any part of the event is outdoors
- Decide on your catering style and book equipment to match
- Arrange waiting or bar staff if needed
- Confirm delivery date, time and access for setup
Book Early to Avoid Disappointment
December is our busiest month of the year, and popular items like gazebos, heaters and full table settings get booked up fast. If you're planning a Christmas party anywhere across Hertfordshire and North London — including Welwyn, St Albans, Harpenden, Potters Bar, Hatfield and the surrounding areas — get in touch now to check availability and start putting your package together.
📞 Call us on 07815179162 or 07463503881, or browse our full range of Catering Equipment Hire, Gazebo Hire and Staffing Hire online to start planning your festive celebration today. 🎉
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