Xmas Is on its way - An Employer's Nightmare.

The holidays Are Coming...and so are the staff soires, but choosing the right setting is tough, and more perplexing is finding the ideal menu which isn't bog standard and brimming with the typical fare. Provided you can discover a dining experience which provides both an innovative menu as well as a setting which suits the needs you have, then metaphorically speaking - you've won the employer's and event organiser's lottery!

Remember that your staff have partners, husbands, wives and friends parties to attend in addition to yours. Your festive celebration will undoubtedly be compared. Here's some top tips to help you plan the event.

1.The answer to a successful evening is reputation. Research a brief history for the venue. Are there any impartial blogs on the internet that you can glean it's food heritage from? Is the service prompt? Absolutely nothing is worse than a sea of unhappy and hungry faces, staring at the party organiser; willing them to Do something!
2.Will it be value for money? - remember that you are filling the ravenous pits of a number of different types of people. Some may want to swap the Cordon Bleu skills around the finest pastry chef in the united kingdom for a hearty portion of jelly and ice cream. Alternatively, you may have people within your party who is going to be able to identify the difference between varying types of wild mushroom. The food has to be of excellent quality, and fair portions.
3.The setting must suit your needs. There's no point in hiring a venue with booth seating if you're a small party. People will feel segregated and isolated, nevertheless these style of venues can function if you are a huge booking. It could feel like a an exclusive dining experience, for just you and your company.
Would you like refinement or a jolly good old knees up?
4.Know your staff and don't forget to check if any one has any special requirements. Does your venue have disability access? Who's allergic to nuts? Who's vegetarian or vegan? If these elements aren't put in to the mix early on, it could prove to be very embarrassing on the night.
5.The menu must have something a little different. A favourite this year is turkey roulade as well as a non christmassy alternative is a beef stroganoff. The problem here is that everyone seems to have jumped on the same bandwagon. Menu choices are invariably from a reduced and restricted set menu. You want yours to be a little different. Get people talking!
Foodepedia can provide some great ideas for some new and different takes on the christmas menu.
To check it out, head to: Restaurant Guide