Your guide to hosting a virtual Christmas party
You can’t raise a glass in the pub with colleagues this Christmas, but that doesn’t mean your team needs to miss out on a celebration. Madeleine Barber talks to Unique Wine Safaris, a tour operator that’s diversified into selling virtual parties
From wine distributor to tour operator to virtual Christmas party host, there’s no denying David Kelley, managing director at Unique Wine Safaris, doesn’t give up in the face of adversity.
After successfully setting up a touring business to offer his wine-buying customers holidays to Italian, French and Spanish vineyards to meet the makers and taste the tipple in its motherland, the Covid-19 pandemic quickly put a pause on Kelley’s planned expansion into South Africa this year.
Like many other travel companies he took his business virtual, offering wine-tastings to clients on Zoom and, as the festive season looms, wine-tasting has become just one of the elements in the new Unique Wine Safaris virtual Christmas party product.
“By doing the virtual parties our name is still out there, we’re saying ‘guys, we’re still here’,” says Kelley.
The tour operator is now selling bespoke virtual Christmas party packages for £100, which feature fine wines and organic festive food delivered straight to attendees’ doors, as well as a host dressed as Father Christmas.
Phillip Humphries, one of Kelley’s business partners and the man behind the iconic bushy white beard and wire-rimmed glasses, says: “It is going to be different [this year], of course it is, but remember Christmas is a time to show we care – it’s not all about work, it’s about people, so get to know each other a little better and see how you can support each other.”
One way to boost team spirit over the festive season is of course hosting a virtual office party, but where to start when it comes to organising it? Humphries shares his advice:
Consider asking someone else to host it
“You don’t want to do the equivalent of throwing a great party and spending all your time in the kitchen, so relax and let someone else worry about it,” he says.
Think about fitting it into the working day rather than taking up people’s spare time
“Maybe ask them what they’d prefer!”
Think through the logistics thoroughly
“When is it? What platform should it be on? How long should it last? What’s the dress code or theme? Do you need a DJ?”
Use a platform your colleagues are familiar with
“You do not want to spend 30 minutes listening to “can you hear me? I can hear you!”
Set a start and end time
“But also consider leaving the platform open for an after party.”
Post out party favours
“Send everyone a bottle to open, maybe even some festive treats, crackers, silly hats and mince pies etc.”
Keep the energy up
“A short Christmas quiz is OK, but remember, we have all sat at screens a lot this year, so consider a dancing competition, carol singing or a treasure hunt.”
Remember to raise a toast or two
“And relax – you won’t have to drive home afterwards!”
TRAVEL’S ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS PLANS
- Abercrombie & Kent is swapping its annual awards ceremony for a virtual version, with the company sending every employee a tipple to toast during the event. Accolades to be won include "best lockdown look", "best skill learnt during lockdown" and "best social media feed".
- The Explorer Travel franchise is celebrating Christmas on Zoom this year with a travel-themed quiz, best hat/head gear and festive outfit competition and dance challenge.
- Elegant Resorts is hosting a two-hour virtual drinks party for employees, complete with drinks delivered to the door, games and a fancy dress competition.
Unique Wine Safaris has so far helped spread the festive cheer during four virtual Christmas parties and has another handful booked in for December.
“[Attendees] have all enjoyed it and, on the whole, we have found people enter into the spirit of it well – although Santa did spot one instance of someone Googling a quiz answer!” says Humphries.
While Unique Wine Safaris is not currently working with travel agents in the UK and Ireland, Kelley emphasises he’s keen to.
“I would love to work with travel agents – we just want to get the word out,” he says.
But the real question is, will the Unique Wine Safaris team be hosting a virtual Christmas party for themselves this year?
“I like to show my appreciation and I like to look after people, so yes, I will be planning something – I just haven’t got around to it yet!” laughs Kelley.
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Place of registration: England and Wales.
Company number 08723341.
Registered address: 6th Floor, 2 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU
