How to Host a Virtual Christmas Party
Can you run your End of year Christmas Party online? The answer is yes you can. At Hampers With Bite we know how to celebrate, and below are some tips and tricks on running a successful Virtual Christmas Party.
WHAT IS A VIRTUAL EVENT?
A Virtual Event, also known as an online event that is an interactive gathering of people over the internet usually with video. The great thing about Virtual Events is that the event is not restricted to a geographical location, which means people in other countries or cities can attend.WHAT ARE THE POSITIVES OF HAVING A VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
Virtual Christmas Parties save a lot of costs for companies as they no longer have to spend their budget on hiring venues, equipment and decorations to fill a space. Budgets can be put towards better quality wines and selection of food for guests to enjoy in their own home. Many online meeting apps allow you to record the event quite easily, which can be used across future marketing collateral.Utilise the breakout room function on your meeting platform to break off into smaller groups if necessary. This allows people to mingle with other guests.
WHAT PLATFORM SHOULD I USE FOR MY VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
Zoom is great for large groups as it allows up to 100 guests, the only downside is that with the free account you can only run meetings for up to 40 minutes before everyone gets kicked off.Google Hangouts is great for large groups as the app is free with your Google account, which also means you can use your existing account.
House Party – House party allows guests to participate in games like Pictionary, although they only allow a max of 8 people per room.
HOW TO SEND OUT INVITATIONS FOR YOUR VIRTUAL EVENT
A tip on sending an invitation for an online event is to provide instructions in advance. We are all quickly getting used to video chats and online meetings, although there are so many different programs that people use it is best to ensure you make the process as seamless as possible. Along with your instructions, send a little cheat sheet on all the features and how they work e.g. mute button, gallery view vs speaker view and the chat function.If you are using Google Hangouts or Zoom we recommend sending a company-wide email to invite staff, that way you can keep staff updated on any comms via the same email thread and send the meeting link before the event itself.
If your Christmas Party is a non-corporate event and with friends, we recommend utilising Facebook events, as this allows you to create private events, manage RSVPs and post updated details.
HOW TO ENSURE YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY IS FESTIVE
A great way to ensure your Virtual Christmas Party has a festive feel is to supply food and drink to guests like you would any party. This is where Event Hampers come in. Event Hampers include all the items for a great party from the comfort of your own home. Check out our range of Event Hampers which can be customised with your company’s logo or other forms of corporate branding.Our Christmas Hampers have a great selection of festive foods and treats that will fit in with the festive theme. We suggest including a selection of alcohol so there is something for everyone. Snacks are great to include, for people to nibble on throughout the event.
Another great way to ensure your Virtual Event feels festive is to ask guests to dress up in festive clothing, this is a bit of a laugh for everyone and starts the event off in a lighter mood.
ENSURE YOU HAVE A HOST FOR YOUR VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
A host is extremely important for virtual events to ensure that all participants are involved and enjoying themselves. Interactions via video chat are a lot more awkward than at a face-to-face event, the host must be ready to spark conversation and make it a little fun. We recommend a couple of ice breakers to start the Christmas Party and get the ball rolling for a fun afternoon or evening.Work Christmas Parties may be done a little differently this year, although with a lot of forward planning you can ensure the same amount of fun is had this year as well. Remember if you choose to scale down your event this year you can always send a festive Corporate Christmas Hamper to show your appreciation to your employees and clients after the year it has been.
Want to get in touch or see more…
Website – https://www.hamperswithbite.com.au/
Email – info@hamperswithbite.com.au
Phone – 1300 795 802
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/hamperswithbite/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/hamperswithbite
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/hampers-with-bite/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYoJRazq1646KS7cELnKZzw
Read More:
What to Gift your Strict Boss this Christmas
The Do’s and Don’ts for Corporate Gifting
Frequently asked questions
Pick a video platform that suits your group size, set a clear date and time, and send instructions in advance so everyone can join easily. Plan a loose run sheet with a welcome, a few activities or games, and time for casual chat. Sending each guest a Christmas hamper beforehand gives everyone something to open and enjoy together on the call.
What is the best platform for a virtual Christmas party?Zoom suits larger groups and supports up to 100 guests, though the free plan caps meetings at 40 minutes. Google Meet works well if your team already uses Google accounts, and apps like Houseparty add built-in games for smaller groups of up to eight. Choose based on how many people are attending and whether you want games built in.
How can I make an online Christmas party feel festive?Encourage guests to decorate their space, wear something festive, and use a holiday virtual background. Plan interactive moments such as trivia, a recipe to make together, or a gift reveal. Posting a gourmet Christmas hamper to each attendee in advance means everyone can share a glass and a nibble at the same time, which makes the gathering feel connected and celebratory.
What should I send guests before a virtual Christmas party?A Christmas hamper is an easy way to give every guest a shared experience, with wine, sweets and savoury treats to enjoy on the call. Order in good time so items arrive before the event, and confirm each person's delivery address early. Our Christmas gift hampers can be sent across Australia with fast delivery, so remote and interstate colleagues are all included.
What games work well for a virtual Christmas party?Online-friendly options include Christmas trivia, two truths and a lie, a virtual Secret Santa reveal, and a photo or costume contest. Use breakout rooms to split larger groups into smaller teams so everyone gets a chance to take part. Keep each game short and the instructions simple so the energy stays high across the whole event.
How long should a virtual Christmas party last?Most online celebrations work best at around 60 to 90 minutes, as attention can drift on video calls more quickly than in person. Build in a clear agenda with a couple of activities and a natural finish point. If you are on a free plan with a time limit, plan the run sheet to fit within it or split the event into shorter sessions.
Can I include interstate or remote staff in a virtual Christmas party?Yes, and that is one of the main benefits of going virtual, as anyone can join from any location. Collect everyone's delivery details so you can send a matching hamper to each person ahead of time. Our hampers ship Australia-wide with fast delivery, making it simple to treat your whole team no matter where they are based.
How far in advance should I send Christmas hampers for an online party?Order at least a week or two ahead so hampers arrive comfortably before the event, especially during the busy December period when deliveries are in high demand. Confirm each recipient's address early to avoid delays. Choosing Express delivery gives a little extra peace of mind if you are organising close to the party date.