For many companies the Christmas dinner is the highlight of the year: the moment everyone comes together, takes a breath and raises a glass to what they have achieved. Done well, it becomes more than a meal. These work Christmas dinner ideas help you create an evening that carries the team spirit into the new year.
To make sure your evening does exactly that, we go through the four building blocks that decide the atmosphere: venue, menu, programme and organisation.
Work Christmas dinner ideas: the right venue
The venue sets the tone before the first glass is raised. Think about the mood you want: rustic and cosy, or elegant and festive?
- A mountain restaurant or mountain hut for warmth, wood and candlelight.
- A stylish event hall or a historic building for a festive setting.
- A restaurant with its own private room, if you want to be among yourselves.
- A winery or vaulted cellar for an evening with character.
Menu and food
At a Christmas dinner, the food can take centre stage. Treat yourselves to a menu that picks up the festive mood, but think of everyone at the table.
- A classic multi-course menu with seasonal, local ingredients.
- Fondue chinoise or raclette for cosy, sociable tables.
- A festive buffet where everyone chooses to their own taste.
- Always with vegetarian and vegan options. That is standard today, not an extra.
The programme
A Christmas dinner lives on balance: enough programme to keep things moving, but enough calm for real conversation. Less is often more here.
- A short, honest review of the year from management: appreciation rather than PowerPoint.
- Live music or a pianist for a festive backdrop.
- A small surprise or a thoughtful gift.
- A relaxed finish at the bar for anyone who wants to stay on.
An atmosphere that carries the evening
You cannot force a good atmosphere, but you can prepare for it. Warm lighting, a well-thought-out seating plan and a running order that does not rush create the setting in which people open up. Make sure nobody ends up sitting on their own and that there are plenty of chances to mingle.
Tips for organising your work Christmas dinner
Popular venues book up quickly in the run-up to Christmas, so reserve early, ideally in late summer. Ask about allergies and preferences with the invitation, plan a clear running order and name one person who is in charge on the night. As a guide, a company event often costs around CHF 120 to 350 per head, depending on your expectations. Finding the right setting is easier with an experienced event agency at your side.
Want a Christmas dinner your team will remember? We are happy to plan it with you, personally and with no obligation. Get in touch and we will find the right setting.
