Hospitality experts are advising businesses to have the foresight to book their Christmas Party this summer, before the inevitable autumn rush.
Sodexo Prestige Venue & Events, who run the festive hospitality programme at multipleexclusive venues across Scotland, including The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), Hampden Park and Hamilton Park Racecourse, are offering a variety of Christmas packages this year.
The event specialists, who are also the hospitality partners at Perth Racecourse and Aberdeen Football Club, have received a huge number of early Christmas bookings this year through its Central Enquiry Hub in South Queensferry and expect to see another rush from frantic organisers at the end of summer.
The kind-hearted members of staff, who take on the pressure and responsibility of organising the office Christmas party, are being urged to avoid disappointment by booking their Christmas parties early.
Anxious organisers calling or live chatting with the Central Enquiry Hub can discuss various venue and event options across Scotland, relieving them from the stress of last minute booking and offering the reassurance that the experts have it all in hand.
Amanda Brown, UK Sales Development Director for Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, said: “All of our 2015 Christmas packages are selling out fast so we’re encouraging customers to book early to avoid disappointment.
“We see very obvious trends in Christmas bookings every year. The majority of organisers want to get the task, and the anxiety, off their plate immediately so we see the biggest peak in booking in January with most re-booking the same venue.
“It then tails off slightly but there is a steady stream of booking until summer when holidays, and the hope of good weather, remove all thoughts of Christmas. This then results in the post summer rush when everyone is back in the office and thinking about the next business quarter.
“We have a fantastic rate of repeat bookers across all our venues and the Christmas events in particular are incredibly popular. We have now expanded the festive programme in many of the venues to help cater for those frantic last minute organisers, but the best plan is definitely to book as far in advance as possible.”
Sodexo Prestige has built a fantastic programme of varying events extending from November through to January across its impressive portfolio of partner venues for Christmas 2015.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE)
The unique setting of the Botanics in Edinburgh is hosting both Christmas lunches and parties. The Christmas lunch at the Gateway Restaurant offers two or three course meals priced at £16.95 and £19.95 and their exclusive Christmas party, being held twice this year, features sparkling wine on arrival, a three course dinner and Christmas novelties. You can then dance away into the night with their own in house DJ. RBGE is also hosting a spectacular Hogmanay party where you can toast the New Year in style. The night will feature a five course dinner followed by a piper at the bells and a disco going on until the early hours.
Hamilton Park Racecourse
Hamilton Racecourse is extending the festive period this year, offering an exclusive Ladies Lunch in November and their famous Glitterball in January. Its more traditional Christmas parties range from £35.00 to £42.50 per person and include a three course meal plus half a bottle of wine per person. If you want to party in private you can book into the venues exclusive boxes.
Aberdeen Football Club
Pittodrie Stadium is holding a range of Christmas parties all throughout December. Prices start at £39.50 for a night of festive celebrations or if you prefer, create a bespoke private party for you and your guests. Each package includes a glass of bubbly on arrival followed by a festive menu. To top the evening off you can dance the night away to the sounds of DJ Dave Macdermid from Northsound 2.
Perth Racecourse
After a sellout 2014, Perth Racecourse is now back offering their Christmas themed race nights with fizz on arrival followed by a two course dinner, all for £30 per person. The VIP package includes half a bottle of wine per person and a chance to get lucky with a raffle ticket. For those wanting to party in November, there is the Snowsparkle ball, hosted by Capital FM. The £35 ticket includes a drinks and canapé reception followed by a party supper. You will receive 3 drinks tokens with your ticket and be served all night by butlers and butlerettes. You can also join Perthshires biggest Hogmanay Ball where you will be served traditional haggis, neeps and tatties and dance the night away to a Ceilidh band followed by a disco.
Hampden Park
The National Stadium has opened up its suites once again to provide an unforgettable Christmas night out. Hampden’s prices range from £35 to £45 and your party will include a fabulous festive cocktail, followed by a three course meal in their black and white themed suite. Partygoers will then enjoy a night of music and dancing with the host, radio and TV presenter Steve McKenna.
To book any of these fabulous venues and others based throughout Scotland please contact the Central Enquiry Hub on 0845 6055 699, email venuesevents.prestige.uk@