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Pumpkin Spice? We’re Already on Mulled Wine |
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Tips for EAs planning the office Christmas party
December fills up fast, and if you’ve ever tried to book a good venue in peak season, you know the scramble. The Christmas party is a great way for you to showcase your event-planning skills, bring colleagues together, and create something memorable. Here are four moves that will keep you ahead of the game.
1) Pencil-Hold Power
Top venues vanish 12–16 weeks out, so start now. Place a no-cost “pencil hold” to lock your slot while budget and venue approvals work their way up the chain. It buys you breathing space and stops your exec wondering why every decent option is already gone.
2) Rethink the Bar
An open bar feels generous, for sure, but it’s also a budget black hole and a late-night headache, if you feel like you have to get everyone home safely. Instead, offer a welcome fizz, a couple of drink tokens, and strong non-alcoholic options. Pair it with lots of food and pre-booked taxi slots so you’re not stuck herding colleagues toward midnight Ubers when they are slightly worse for wear.
3) Dietary Requirements - Don't Guess
Don’t collect dietary requirements in random email chains. Build them straight into the RSVP form and hand your caterer a clear list of all the details. Bonus: If the event is in your office and you've brought in caterers, ensure the floor staff are briefed so they can answer “Is this gluten-free?” without sending guests on a kitchen quest. That one small system makes everyone feel included.
4) Run Sheet with Real Accountability
A Christmas party looks effortless only when someone has done the legwork. Write a one-page run sheet with timings, key moments (like awards or speeches or karaoke kick-off list), and named owners for each task. A WhatsApp Group is worth setting up so you can check in with everyone, even when you are across the dancefloor from each other.
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In this guide, we’ll explore the process of managing an office social event from start to finish, breaking it down step by step so you know exactly what to do. Together, we’ll explore how to create a fun, inclusive, and memorable experience for your colleagues, without the stress taking over, so you can enjoy it too.
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Most Executive Assistants have been asked to arrange something for their team, as we often serve as the go-to person for social activities in the office. In this article, we will share 20 do’s and don’ts for organizing team-building events, ensuring that all your efforts are successful.
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Calm Under Pressure Masterclass
Friday 10th October 10:00 AM ET | 3:00 PM BST
This LIVE Calm Under Pressure Masterclass with wellness expert Kathy Gruver offers practical tools to help you better understand the science of stress and how it shows up in your day-to-day life. Through real-world strategies, mindset shifts, and evidence-based techniques, you’ll learn how to manage pressure more effectively and build the resilience needed to thrive in even the most demanding environments
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Nowadays.ai
If you’ve ever lost an afternoon juggling venue quotes, this one’s worth a look. Nowadays, AI is used to help you secure competitive venue bids and even suggests destinations and activities based on your event needs. It’s especially handy for corporate events where you want options pulled together quickly without endless Googling. The core features are free, with paid upgrades if you need more depth.
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This week, our challenge is to get ahead of the Christmas party planning. If you’re already the one in charge, this is the week to tick one thing off your list. If you’re not involved yet, it’s a good opportunity to ask if you can be. These events are a lot of work, but they’re also great exposure and a chance to show your Executive and colleagues what you can do.
Step 1: Pick your starting point
If you’re already planning, move one piece forward now. That could be holding a venue, drafting the budget, or narrowing down a theme. If you’re not yet involved, think about where you can add value. Offer to help with RSVPs, dietary requirements, or creating the run sheet.
Step 2: Make your offer clear
When you step in, keep it simple. Something like, “I’d be happy to help coordinate the logistics so you don’t have to juggle it alongside everything else.” It shows you’re proactive without stepping on anyone’s toes.
Step 3: Add your EA's perspective
Bring in the insights you have that others might not. You know your Executive’s diary inside out, you understand budget approval processes, and you probably have a good read on what will or won’t land with the team. Use that to shape the planning.
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October 10th, 2025 @ 10.00am ET | 3:00pm GMT
Calm Under Pressure Masterclass
This LIVE Calm Under Pressure Masterclass with wellness expert Kathy Gruver offers practical tools to help you better understand the science of stress and how it shows up in your day-to-day life. Book now>>>
October 24th, 2025 @ 10.00am ET | 3:00pm GMT
ChatGPT for EAs Masterclass
Unlock the full power of ChatGPT with prompts, protocols, and workflows designed specifically for Executive Assistants. In this exclusive Masterclass, you’ll discover how to use AI as a trusted productivity partner – enhancing efficiency, protecting sensitive information, and creating reliable outputs you can use with confidence. Book now>>>
October 30th, 2025 @ 10.00am ET | 3:00pm GMT
Strategic Time Management Masterclass
In this Strategic Time Management Masterclass, you’ll learn how to move beyond basic scheduling and become the gatekeeper of time that every Executive needs. Book now>>>
November 7th, 2025 @ 10.00am ET | 3:00pm GMT
LinkedIn for EAs Masterclass
Through this masterclass, you’ll learn how to manage LinkedIn not just for yourself but for your Executive – optimising profiles, creating authentic posts, managing company pages, and using smart features to build credibility and expand networks. Book now>>>
November 14th, 2025 @ Live over 24 hrs
Focus Virtual Summit
This Summit will provide Assistants with essential skills to boost efficiency and master time management. Learn how to prioritize tasks, streamline your workflow, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively. By optimizing your productivity, you’ll be able to meet deadlines, maintain balance, and thrive both at work and in your personal life. Book now>>>
November 19th, 2025 @ 10.00am ET | 3:00pm GMT
AI and Events Masterclass
Through this masterclass, you’ll discover how to harness the power of AI, digital tools, and technology to make event planning smoother and smarter. From streamlining admin tasks to enhancing creativity and communication, you’ll learn how to apply technology across every stage of planning. Book now>>>
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