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Parties/celebrations

Whether you're planning a birthday or a hen do, you'll find plenty of ideas for your celebration on our Party forum.

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Original poster

What would you think to an outdoors Christmas party? Please answer!!!

13 replies

eenybeeny · 02/08/2008 22:34

I throw a Christmas party every year... and every year the guest list gets bigger. I am trying to move into a lovely house with a nice size garden and I have around 60 people I am inviting to this party! Could I throw open the doors into the garden to accomadate everyone? I really dont want to not invite people.

While I am on it...

There will be a childrens play that I am writing, 2 childrens games and 1 raffle for the grown-ups - So really I need everyone there around the same time. Other than that I was thinking about doing more of an open house thing.

Also I normally ask everyone to bring a dish of food - but wonder if I should forgo that this year? I supply drinks but I cant feed 60 people!

OP posts:

LadyMuck · 02/08/2008 22:37

I think that you can get a heated marquee, but I don't think that you can assume that people will socialise in the dark in a garden in December.

If you want to include people then I would give up on the play (which presumably takes up room).

DancingTulip · 02/08/2008 22:50

I have been to a barbeque in December! It was great, they set up a big table under a pergoda and had fairy lights everywhere, it was really quite special.. No extra heating as such, there might have been a patio heater but everyone just wrapped up warm!

I am very admiring of you for holding a big party at Christmas, gosh its enough for me holding a little dinner party for 8!!

Anyway I say do it - people just find a way of enjoying themselves no matter what the surroundings plus your party will be the party of the season by the sounds of it!

potoftea · 02/08/2008 23:40

You can't be sure the weather will be suitable in December. If it was a nice crisp, cold, winter's day, then lovely, wrap up well and chat outside.
However, it could be damp and misty; or windy and rainy, and really not to be depended upon.

I'd go with a more casual event; let people come and go throughout the day/evening. And hope some leave before more arrive.

theinsider · 02/08/2008 23:45

I too have been to a christmas BBQ, it was a great laugh. Weather permitting there's nothing wrong with expanding the space available to include outside. Smokers will be out there anyway. Just warn people casually that may the case.

As for bringing a dish, well the more people you've asked the more you need them to do so. Or again just warn that catering will be more on the minimal side. Loads of hot sausage rolls and mulled wine will be all anyone needs. Sounds like a great party. Can I come?

Original poster

eenybeeny · 03/08/2008 00:51

well it wouldnt be in the dark too much really as I was thinking of doing the main thing from 1-5 and have lots of fairy lights etc. The weather is the problem, if its rainy or nasty what the heck fire will I do????

I must admit (if I do say so myself) it is a great party! We have some fab games for the kids, every child who comes gets a pressie (little!!), there is a raffle for a bottle of champange for the adults (just one bottle/one prize) and this year the play (VERY simple! written for little ones) with (if I can pull a rabbit out of my hat) a very brief appearance from a local Father Christmas man I know. The play will be held in a space around 8" x 8" at the end of the garden - just enough space for several little ones to stand, one older boy (7) as the narrater and Father Christmas turning up.

I do this every year - but last year it was only 40 people and no play. Those are the only changes - oh - and if I have my way I will be in a new house this year!! So with the increase in guests, play, and larger house with garden etc I am just re-examining how it goes. Oh and thank you Dancing Tulip for saying the party sounds great! And theinsider I am ever so tempted to invite pretty much everyone I know (which would now include you!)

OP posts:

Weegle · 03/08/2008 19:21

Not the same exactly but I did a Christmas party for children last Dec - I don't know if you remember the weather in early Dec but there were massive gales and storms. I had it all planned to have an outside marquee/party tent with fairylights, logs, patio heaters, hot chocolate - a real winter wonderland with FC's grotto in our summer house. At the end of the day we had to relocate inside. It wasn't the rain that was the problem - afterall I had provided shelter - it was the wind. The marquee/party tent simply couldn't cope and of course the rain was blowing in. In the end we had people walk through the garden (undercover) discovering little treats hidden but the majority of the party and the grotto was indoors. It was still lovely, the kids thought it was magical, but it was a little squashed. But I think we were unlucky with the weather - I don't think the winds are normally THAT high in December, and as I say rain alone really isn't an issue if you put up shelter and instruct people to wrap themselves and their children in warm clothing.

Weegle · 03/08/2008 19:23

oh and mulled wine works wonders at keeping adults warm

FluffyMummy123 · 03/08/2008 19:24

Message withdrawn

EachPeachPearMum · 03/08/2008 19:28

I would think you live in Australia

...you wouldn't catch me at an outdoor party in december!

roisin · 03/08/2008 19:35

I think it sounds like the kind of idea you come up with in August when you're far enough distant from the realities of December.

Personally there are not many December days when I would want to be standing around outside for any length of time. If you're going to have doors open/guests outside they will need to bring coats, hats, gloves, scarves etc. What will they do with these when they come inside?

If you desperately want to invite more people, why don't you do more of an 'open house' thing for a longer period, say 10-6, and hope not everyone comes at once?

roisin · 03/08/2008 19:35

I think it sounds like the kind of idea you come up with in August when you're far enough distant from the realities of December.

If you desperately want to invite more people, why don't you do more of an 'open house' thing for a longer period, say 10-6, and hope not everyone comes at once?

mogs0 · 03/08/2008 20:37

I think it sounds lovely!! (can I come too?!!)

Original poster

eenybeeny · 03/08/2008 21:13

thanks! go on then you can all come!

I think I am going to go for it and hope the weather is alright... and if it isnt then we will all cram inside. Dont know though... although there are around 60 people invited I doubt they will all come so --- last year I had around 40 people. I am trying to take heart!

I love my xmas parties they are such good fun and (without boasting!) my friends and family have started to think of them as a necessary annual tradition! This year is extra special because my Mum will be here with us from America. So I want to show her off.

OP posts:

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