10-step annual office Chrsitmas party planning checklist in Sydney by Boardwalk Catering

Office Christmas party planning checklist —

Planning and organising an office party or corporate event can be a daunting task, but with the right checklist, you can stay on track and ensure successful office catering in Sydney.

Checklists are also of great use in the unfortunate event that you fall sick or are unable to realise your planning responsibilities. A substitute can use the office Christmas party planning checklist to see what has or hasn’t been planned and therefore take over to make that party happen.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a 10 things that must go into your checklist to help you plan and execute your Sydney office party flawlessly. Here’s what we’ll cover:

Budgeting
Schedules and invitations
Catering
Beverages
Theme, decorations, and party supplies
Equipment and setup
Activities
Follow-up
Finalise preparations
Set up and enjoy

Claim your free annual office Christmas party planning checklist for free. Download checklist.

#1 Set up a budget for your annual office Christmas party

Setting a budget is the first step in planning any event. The nature of the occasion will dictate the items you need to consider and the amount of money you should allocate. For a casual birthday celebration, a budget of around $100 should cover the essentials, such as candles, a corporate cake, and a small gift.

However, for larger events like welcoming a new client or hosting the annual office Christmas party, you need to take into account additional expenses such as food, catering, beverages, decorations, and planned activities. Submit your proposed budget to the relevant department at least three weeks prior to the office Christmas party to ensure proper approval and make any necessary adjustments.

#2 Date, time, and invitations

Choosing the right date and time for your Christmas party is necessary to guarantee maximum attendance. Check the company calendar and pick a suitable slot that doesn’t clash with any other important engagements. In order to streamline the process and gather availability information from your friends and colleagues, we suggest using a tool like Doodle or Hubspot, which provide a visual representation of everyone’s schedule.

Once you have finished the date and time, send out invitations to the potential attendees. Make sure to include essential details in the invites, like the dress code and any specific instructions or requirements for your special occasion.

#3 Christmas catering

The easiest way to keep food under control is to choose a gourmet corporate caterer with a solid reputation in Sydney. With the occasion and budget in mind, browse through their corporate menus and consider factors like:

light finger food for appetisers
main meal choices (e.g., buffet menu)
grazing stations
special diet menus
desserts
Beverages

If you want to explore how to find a reliable catering company in Sydney, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to hire the right corporate caterer in Sydney. Once you set your mind on the one you’re comfortable working with, place your office catering order well in advance, especially for seasonal events like the office Christmas party or Vivid Sydney.

#4 Beverages

Beverage choice is another important element which varies hugely depending on the budget for the event. Luckily, Boardwalk Catering has a range of beverage packages, with a liquor licence and a Gold licence behind our back, and can even provide beverage on consumption (where each beverage served is counted and then charged at the completion of the event).

Our beverage packages also include a full bar set up including, floor length white linen, quality glassware, ice, beverage tubs, bar trays, bottle openers and the removal of any bar rubbish at the conclusion of the event. Our staff are charged separately as each event varies and staffing is tailored to suit your event requirements and budget. Please contact Boardwalk Catering for a quote.

#5 Theme, decorations, and party supplies

The office Christmas party is an exercise in artistry. A well-chosen theme—be it a winter wonderland or a retro holiday—sets that stage so, well, wonderfully. I’m thinking tinsel-draped boardrooms, towering Christmas trees, and tableware that whispers of frost-kissed mornings. Decorations, more than adornments, shape the atmosphere: faux snow, icicle lights, and scented candles evoke nostalgia.

For rented venues, ‘dry hire’ agreements offer creative freedom; in-house events demand ingenuity, blending office furniture with rented cocktail tables and fairy lights.

Stressed about your office Christmas party plans? We’ve got your back! Download our ready-to-use checklist and stay on track.
📥 Get your free PDF: Office Christmas party planning checklist
📞 Call us at 0434 917 069 or ✉️ Email [email protected] for expert catering solutions!

Music, whether a live band or a Spotify playlist, guides the evening’s rhythm. High-end consumer psychology underscores the importance of sensory details—textures, scents, and sounds—that linger in memory. In the end, the perfect Sydney Christmas party is one that engages, delights, and connects, leaving guests with more than just holiday cheer. Styling and music are just there to set the mood.

#6 Equipment and setup

An essential component of your office Christmas party planning checklist is the evaluation of equipment and setup you’ll be needing for your event, in general, and your office catering, in particular. Does your office already have items like speakers, projectors, or screens? If not, make arrangements to either buy or rent them. Without reliable microphones and a decent playlist, there won’t be a karaoke sesh. This is also a perfect time to determine whether or not you’ll need extra tables, chairs, and dinnerware.

Planning your office Christmas party? Grab your free PDF checklist now and make it stress-free! Download here: Office Christmas party planning checklist
📞 Call: 0434 917 069 | ✉️ Email: [email protected]

#7 Entertainment

If you want to inject some fun into your office Christmas party, plan engaging activities in keeping with the occasion. Purchase any required items in advance and let your guests know if they need to bring or wear anything specific to participate. Themed games and interactive elements are great options to make the office party more fun.

Pro tip: Be sure to inform your attendees about costume requirements or contests well ahead. This will work well in your favour as they’ll have ample time to prepare for the activity and participate fully.

#8 Follow-up

As the office Christmas party draws closer, it’s essential to follow up with your attendees and confirm arrangements with your Sydney corporate caterer and vendors. Send out reminders via email and make a courtesy call to the catering company to verify your order. This is also an opportunity to make any necessary additions or changes to your order, such as dietary requirements or number of guests.

Boardwalk Catering is one of the leading corporate catering companies in Sydney with over a decade of experience. Contact the team for a bespoke culinary experience that marks the end of this year. Call 0434 917 069 or email [email protected] and let’s chat!

#9 Finalise preparations

Don’t leave anything to chance! With the corporate event just around the corner, it’s crucial to ensure flawless execution. Put your preparations into high gear: Test any equipment critical to the success of your office Christmas party, verify the availability of all planned activities, and curate an irresistible music playlist. Prepare the office for the party by having it cleaned and rearranging the furniture as needed.

#10 Set up and have fun

When the big day arrives, it’s all about the nitty-gritty and those finishing touches that make it shine. Pass the baton to your reliable teammates so you don’t carry all the weight. After all, that’s where your office Christmas party planning checklist ends. When the corporate catering service arrives, set it up just like we planned, and make sure folks know what they can munch on. Pause for a moment. Pat yourself on the back and join the fun with your pals!

Let Boardwalk Catering handle the food for your office Christmas Party in Sydney CBD

Boardwalk Catering provides a premium office catering experience in Sydney, exemplifying excellence. As holders of the esteemed Gold licence status, we are committed to delivering exceptional service by prioritising the use of fresh, seasonal produce. Our dedication to honesty, customer focus, adaptiveness, common sense, and attention to detail distinguishes us from the competition.

Upholding the highest food safety standards, we have implemented 24-hour monitors for our fridges and freezers. Meticulous creation of corporate menus and flawless execution of setups and arrangements are what our professional team excel at. They collaborate closely with you to create an office Christmas party experience that creates shock and awe.

Choose Boardwalk Catering for a reliable and extraordinary catering service in Sydney. Call 0434 917 069 or send us an email at [email protected]

Parting thoughts

To create a remarkable experience, it’s essential to have a comprehensive office Christmas party and event planning checklist. Each step – from budgeting to decorations, catering, and activities – plays a vital role. Meticulous planning and attention to detail are the keys to success. So put on your event planner hat, follow our checklist, and get ready to blow your colleagues’ minds. Cheers to an awesome corporate event!

Your questions about office Christmas party planning checklist, answered

1. Why do I need an office Christmas party planning checklist?

An office Christmas party planning checklist ensures you don’t miss any details when organising your end-of-year celebration. From selecting the venue and finalising the corporate menu to coordinating entertainment and managing RSVPs, a structured office Chrsitmas party planning checklist keeps everything on track. At Boardwalk Catering, we provide a free office Christmas party planning checklist to help Sydney businesses plan seamless, stress-free events.

2. What’s included in your office Christmas party planning checklist?

Our office Christmas party planning checklist covers every essential aspect, including:

Venue selection and booking deadline
Catering options and dietary requirements
Beverage packages and bar services
Entertainment and team-building activities
Decorations and party themes
Timeline for sending invitations and reminders
Budgeting tips to maximise value

Download it now: Office Christmas party planning checklist PDF

3. How far in advance should I start planning my office Christmas party?

We recommend starting your planning at least two to three months in advance. The best venues and caterers in Sydney, including Boardwalk Catering, get booked out quickly. Using our office Christmas party planning checklist early will help you secure top choices and avoid last-minute stress.

4. Can Boardwalk Catering customse the menu for dietary restrictions?

Absolutely! We understand that every workplace has different dietary needs, from vegetarian and gluten-free to halal and dairy-free options. Our expert team works with you to customise a catering package that suits everyone. Contact us for more information.

5. How can I get a copy of the office Christmas party planning checklist?

It’s easy! Download your free office Christmas party planning checklist here: Party Planning Checklist PDF. If you have any questions or need professional catering assistance for your Sydney office party, reach out to us:
📞 Call: 0434 917 069 | ✉️ Email: [email protected]

At Boardwalk Catering, we make office Christmas party planning effortless, so you can focus on celebrating with your team!