Liz Taylor, MD at Taylor Lynn Corporation, says upcycling is the new Christmas party trend, with old agriculture venues a popular choice
I recently spent the day at Whirlowbrook Hall in Sheffield, talking to an audience of businesspeople and eager event planners about how to produce the ultimate Christmas party. In efforts to ‘upcycle’ and ‘gear shift’ the company festive gathering (I hate all these ridiculous marketing terms), the audience were keen to know my advice. It’s simple: you can’t take Christmas out of Christmas.
Yes, it is the one celebration that is pretty date specific and the overarching theme is set by tradition and religion. So, does that mean it has to be the same each year: never. Evolution; creativity; innovation. All great elements to planning the company’s Christmas event, but always with a nod to the reason that you are gathering. I will explain.
Over the last 10 years trends have shifted, and in no small part thanks to recession-based cost cutting. The thought of company employees from the big banks celebrating with a free bar in a swanky venue, on the back of redundancies and government bailouts, was a PR nightmare. And for me, it changed the event agenda for many corporate clients. Working in partnership with my clients to redesign their events. More low-key, smaller affairs became popular. We combined events to trim costs. We negotiated hard with venue suppliers to get the best deals. Far from being a time to axe your event consultant – this was the time that they could deliver the most for you. Christmas parties were at risk of losing their sparkle – but not with me at the helm.
Fast forward to 2019; the era of lavish spend has passed. But companies are willing to invest in Christmas celebrations that deliver on a purpose. Reward; motivate; engage; bringing management and the workforce together. The aim is King. The parties, which are growing in numbers again, is the vehicle to deliver the company message. But it must be fun.
This year I am seeing a boom in rustic tradition. Venues such as barns, warehouses and agricultural settings are booming. Long wooden tables allowing for more sharing platters to be served. A deconstructed Christmas tree built on a square truss overhead and decorated with bronze and copper foliage and baubles, so it becomes an incredible roof to the dining space. A gospel choir entertaining with Christmas favourites. Bold colours are vogue too. Teal, deep reds, copper, gold, orange shades – and natural bark with baccara roses; homemade soups served in tin cups; traditional pies created from local organic produce (eco-credentials ticked); Christmas pudding, but served as a Martini. Clients are demanding the hallmarks that make this season special – but the need it delivered with a creative flair.
So, while I stick to the belief that Christmas is one celebration that you can’t simply ‘modernise’. Every great event planner will tinker a little with tradition from time to time, and I am no exception.
