Office Christmas Party Mistakes to Avoid

There’s nothing quite like a good office Christmas party, allowing a chance to relax, celebrate the year’s achievements, and enjoy time with colleagues. But anyone who’s ever been responsible for organising one knows that what sounds like fun on paper can quickly become stressful in practice. Between juggling guest lists, menus, dietary requirements, timings, and suppliers, there are a lot of factors that can go wrong. 

That’s where a professional catering service, such as Robert & Victor, makes all the difference. With years of experience delivering seamless corporate events across Manchester, we know exactly what can go wrong and how to prevent it.  

Here are the most common office Christmas party mistakes to avoid, and how a professional caterer ensures your event runs effortlessly. 

Last Minute Planning 

December is one of the busiest times of year for venues, suppliers, and caterers. Leaving things too late can mean limited availability, rushed decisions, and higher costs. Many companies start planning as early as September in order to get a head start. 

How Robert & Victor can help 

Once you enquire, our team helps you decide on the venue layout, offering furniture and equipment hire, along with service style (whether that’s a buffet or standing canapé reception), well in advance. We’ll guide you through our Christmas menu options, create a clear timeline, and coordinate directly with the venue to take the pressure off you. The result is a stress-free run-up to Christmas with everything locked in way in advance. 

Misjudging Portion Sizes 

There’s nothing worse than food running out halfway through the night or ending up with tons of untouched dishes at the end. Finding the right balance takes experience, particularly when catering for large groups. 

How Robert & Victor can help 

We have a range of experience catering for different events or varying sizes. This experience means we know exactly how to calculate portion sizes that leave everyone satisfied without waste. We also consider the format of the event, suggesting canapés and finger food for standing receptions, or buffets for large, busy evenings. 

Overlooking Dietary Requirements 

From allergies and intolerances to religious or lifestyle choices, forgetting to consider dietary requirements can result in your guests leaving feeling left out and unsatisfied, or even unwell. 

How Robert & Victor can help 

Every menu we design includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options, if necessary. During planning, we request a full list of dietary requirements to ensure no one is left out. Labels and allergen information are clearly displayed at the event, and our serving staff are there to help guide guests to their preferred foods. 

Forgetting About Drinks 

Drinks can make or break the festive spirit. Choosing to provide drinks can be a great way for people to let loose and enjoy their time together. 

How Robert & Victor can help 

Our mobile bar service comes fully stocked and staffed with professional bartenders who know how to keep the atmosphere lively but classy. We can craft festive cocktails, offer a range of wines and beers, or serve elegant mocktails for those who prefer alcohol-free options. Because our bar team works in sync with the kitchen, drinks, and food service flow together seamlessly. 

Underestimating Staffing Needs 

Even the best-planned menu can falter if there aren’t enough hands on deck. Too few servers can mean delays, cluttered tables, and unhappy guests. 

How Robert & Victor can help 

At Robert & Victor, we provide the right number of trained hospitality staff for your event size and format. Our team is professional, efficient, and friendly, whether they are circulating canapés, topping up drinks, or managing the buffet. You can relax knowing every guest will be looked after. 

Skipping the Cleanup 

The last thing anyone wants after a long night of celebrating is the sight of dirty plates and empty glasses piling up. 

How Robert & Victor can help 

Our service doesn’t stop when the guests go home. We handle the full clean-down, pack-up, and waste disposal, leaving the venue spotless. All you need to do is enjoy the evening without worrying about the mess. 

Forgetting to Enjoy the Night 

Perhaps the biggest mistake of all: the organiser gets so caught up managing logistics that they forget to enjoy the party themselves. 

How Robert & Victor can help 

Once we’re on site, you can hand over the reins entirely. Our team oversees everything, liaising with the venue, staff, and suppliers so you can focus on mingling with your team and soaking up the festive spirit. 

Why Choose Robert & Victor for Your Christmas Catering 

From bespoke seasonal menus to professional service and flawless execution, Robert & Victor brings peace of mind to every event we cater. Whether you’re planning a relaxed in-office evening or a full-blown Christmas party, we’ll tailor everything to your needs. 

Your Christmas party should be a highlight of the year. Let us take care of the details, so you can focus on what matters most: celebrating success with your team. 

Ready to start planning? 

Contact us today to discuss your Christmas event catering. We’ll help you design a menu, plan your timeline, and deliver a festive experience your guests will talk about long after the decorations come down.