THE works Christmas party -- the highlight of the year! Whether you are celebrating a successful year, looking forward to the year ahead or purely just bonding with your fellow colleagues, the Christmas Party allows you to show off your sparkling charismatic personality, glitzy accessories, glam clothes and groovy dance moves...but the setting has to be right.

Most office parties tend to be held away from the working environment at hotels, clubs, pubs, restaurants, or leisure venues and with an array of various locations, dates, times and themes such as 70s glam nights or a lively swing evening with the Rat Pack and casino tables, comedians, magic shows and celebrity after dinner speakers.

Most party nights include food and although remaining a firm favourite with many, the traditional turkey dinner with Christmas pudding are being replaced with a variety of catering choices. Bowl food is currently a very popular menu choice however everything from canapes and finger buffets toseated dinners or full buffets are available. The right Christmas party food adds that extra sparkle to the party atmosphere and enhances the fun of dancing, drinking and mixing with friends.

Ideally, to allow those who wish to partake in an alcoholic tipple, an evening with no work the following day is the perfect solution, but if the boss is organising the event, then so be it!

Another consideration is budget, not all companies organise and pay for the Works Christmas Party, so it is worth bearing in mind the cost to the individual. There is plenty of choice available offering value for money and something to suit all budgets and needs. Costs start from approximately £10 and include things such as an evening ten pin bowling with a basket meal, or a balti where you can bring your won drinks, either option offers a great platform for a Christmas Party Celebration.

The more commonly held Christmas event is often shared amongst a number of companies attending party nights at hotels, clubs, restaurants and pubs; with greater numbers adding to the overall ambience.

Options such as themes, a buffet or formal dinner, some form of entertainment, party hats, crackers, poppers and appropriate decoration, with the evening peaking in an opportunity for Fred and Ginger to star on the dance floor, along with accompanying singing to the good old favourites such as So here it is Merry Christmas and Last Christmas are always a favourite. These evenings really set the mood for fun, create a party atmosphere, and certainly cater for the wider taste.

Many hotels offer fantastic value for money overnight packages, so why not indulge yourself and make a real night of it, very often it does not cost huge amounts more than taking a taxi, plus you can have a hearty breakfast the following morning to get you back on track for that last minute shopping.

On the other end of the financial spectrum, those really splashing out may organise a night away in a Grand Country House or Swanky London Hotel. Maybe a bespoke thrilling, action packed activity day with party in the evening is the evening is the celebratory option for you and your company, or even a trip abroad to Lapland with a gift from Santa!

Whatever your choice, it is worth speaking with the professionals who will ensure your evening is the start to a very Merry Christmas!