Gone is the time when businesses would have their holiday entertainment organized, booked, and paid for by the end of June. These days, many corporate Christmas parties are last-minute affairs.

Although traditional entertainment is still popular, an ever-growing number of companies are opting for “wow factor” entertainers to impress their staff and guests. It’s an opportunity to get people talking and move into the New Year on an upbeat note.

There are countless entertainment choices, depending on your group. Cover bands play a range of music from the 60s and 70s right through to the present day. They always get guests on their feet and are perfect for creating a party atmosphere. Swing bands are another option. Or, music by Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin, is synonymous with Christmas and conjures up images of roaring fires and falling snow.

If you prefer show-style entertainment, some of the most popular themes right now include 80s, the 1920s, ABBA, a night at the Moulin Rouge, and circus-themed shows. Former “American Idol” finalists and current (or former) dancers from “Strictly Come Dancing” will leave guests star struck. Or what about using singing waiters to offer a surprise element during dinner?

Always think about the timing as well. You can have your entertainers greet guests when they arrive, or hire caricaturists, magicians, or jazz musicians to put people at ease as during the cocktail reception. Then the all important after-dinner entertainment can be used to round out the evening once everyone has gotten into the swing of things.

Here are five tips for planning entertainment this season:

1) Consider adding a surprise element to wow and impress guests, such as a sudden appearance by a celebrity look-alike.
2) Fill the evening with a couple of different forms of entertainment, so there’s something happening from the moment your guests arrive until they leave.
3) Make sure your choice is suitable for the chosen venue. Consider venue size, location, and ease of access for equipment.
4) Nothing impresses guests as much as a live performance.
If you want attendees to keep talking long afterwards, this is the way to go.
5) Remember that party-goers usually want to end the night on the dance floor, so a top-quality party band should be part of the equation.

Source: Scarlett Entertainment

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