Christmas Countdown
Who’d have thought that on a sunny summer’s day in the Borders I’d be writing about Christmas! In fact why am I so surprised? Every year like clockwork, Boom! As soon as the little darlings skip back to school, the adults start planning one of the biggest nights of the calendar.
The works night out!
From various locations; computer desks in offices, staff canteens, the van full with tradesman taking their second breakfast before 10am, all buzzing and discussing the staff night out.
A ‘do-er’, traditionally a super-efficient member of staff will undertake the organisation of the whole event. They will carefully choose a suitable venue taking into consideration cost, location and the added little extras. Popular Christmas Party venues will offer add-ons such as party boxes and entertainment plus nice touches like a complimentary cocktail.
For us at the Buccleuch having efficient staff members to take enquiries and booking is key. The location of the Buccleuch Arms in St. Boswells is slap bang at the heart of the Scottish Borders making us a popular choice for Christmas gatherings.
Depending on the type and nature of the organisation, gathering a team of work colleagues in a social situation can be an awkward experience so an ice-breaker in the form of a comedian or magician can help to encourage colleagues to make conversation. Invariably the shyer members of the group have already had a sharpener before they arrive to give them Dutch courage! Here at the Buccleuch on party nights we give our party goers a warm welcome, offer to take their coats and furnish them with a nice chilled glass of prosecco and Kir or something similar.
Normally, the ‘do-er’, not to be confused with a grumpy Scotsman (‘do-er’) will work out a payment plan for their colleagues which includes the meal and drinks, small sums of money are then duly collected over say a 12 week period. If your company doesn’t put their hand in the pocket to contribute, this method spreads the costs and makes the night more affordable. Our bar staff are prepped to ensure our party goers have a good night. We tend to buy in extra drinks at Christmas particularly shots and cocktail mixers.
The most unusual task of the said organiser is to send out menus and make a helpful spreadsheet charting everyone’s choices. This is essential because by the time the food arrives and you’ve pulled the crackers and read the jokes, you will have forgotten what you ordered back in September. Our menus focus around traditional festive food with brussel sprouts a plenty. Everything is bought freshly and prepared from scratch. The most popular main dish is turkey with all the trimmings. The food is a big part of the celebration and our chefs make sure that the plate looks good and tastes good using the best quality ingredients.
