December is a key month for restaurants. There are waves of families and friends to contend with, Christmas dinners to cook and New Year’s Eve plans to be made. There’s certainly a lot that requires consideration. One area that sometimes goes under the radar because of all that surrounds it is the office Christmas party.
Christmas business parties
The majority of businesses will throw a Christmas party. It’s part of our culture. Given the amount of workers at each company and the number of businesses in your vicinity the market is large and shouldn’t be sniffed at by restaurants.
Now, hopefully you’ve not left it this late to begin planning your 2017 Christmas party venue. There are companies that leave their booking until November/December time, but most will have something in the books, or at least have an idea of what they will be doing by late summer time.
Marketing tips for attracting office Christmas parties:
• A Christmas page should be added to the website that will detail all necessary information (menus, capacities, prices etc.). This will also give you a page to link and direct customers to.
• If you have a database of customers, email them a newsletter detailing your Christmas plans and early bird offers that you’re offering for office parties. Give them an incentive to book with you early.
• Christmas party menus and offers should be promoted through social channels such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
• Drop some fliers and leaflets around some of the businesses nearby you, perhaps offering them a ‘neighbour’s discount’.
Making the Christmas party a special event
When an office is organising the party, it’s probable that one of the workers will have recommended your restaurant as the host venue. It’s very unlikely that EVERY member of a company will have been to your restaurant before, so not only is it a chance to strengthen relationships with regulars, but the Christmas office party gives you a big opportunity win over plenty of new customers too.
Don’t think your job is done once the bookings have been made. Make the dining experience a special one to make sure all the colleagues are happy and you’ll have gained yourself a selection of new endorsers.
Restaurant furniture in keeping with the season
To impress your guests, you want to make sure your furniture and décor is in keeping with the season. One thing’s for sure, you don’t want a mismatch of furniture at the table like you’d expect to find in dining rooms across the table on Christmas Day.
To ensure you’ve got enough room for everyone and no furniture that’s looking worn and old, browse our restaurant furniture range.