Sparkle returning to Christmas parties

Ellen Irvine discovers the trends for this year's Christmas office parties and how to avoid red faces on the following Monday.
After a lean couple of years, the trimmings are being put back on work Christmas parties - but it's still more tinsel than tiaras.
Party planner Tracey Abbot, of Toast Event Management, said corporate clients wanted fun activities for this year's Christmas parties, instead of the traditional restaurant meal.
"Casino nights are really big this year, and murder mysteries.
"A lot of people are going bowling - you can do the most fun things with bowling. You can put on amazing decor and theme the bowling - I'm doing a black and bling bowling."
Events which included the employees' families, such as picnics and barbecues with games, were also popular.
Kewpie Cruises owner operator Darryl Herbert said the phone had been "running red hot" with Christmas bookings for the past six weeks.
"We are way ahead of things - it's really promising.
"Last year the same numbers were the same as the year before, but the spend was less. This year, people are going for it.
"We are probably about two-thirds fully booked for the rest of year. People are spending last year's money this year."
The Kewpie runs four-hour harbour cruises for between 25 to 60 people. Mr Herbert estimated corporate events comprised half his business.
Chef Peter Blakeway said bookings for a four-course gourmet meal, and entertainment by Will Martin, had picked up dramatically in the last week.
"I think that's a trend throughout the Bay and possibly throughout New Zealand, people are leaving their decisions a little longer.
"It's been a fairly tough winter for a lot of businesses.
"In my experience every time there's economic tough times, people delay making decisions about having good times."
The Katikati event - Christmas with Will Martin and Peter Blakeway - is $125 per person, with corporate rates available.
TrustPower has not scaled back its Christmas celebrations due to the economy.
Community relations manager Graeme Purches said a function was held annually for the company's 250 staff, and bus transport would be provided to ensure staff got home safely.
While he did not want to reveal the party location, Mr Purches said it would be as festive as every year.
"Our employees haven't scaled back their efforts, so it would be unreasonable as an employer to scale back our [Christmas party]."
At Zespri, last year's Christmas party was slightly scaled back due to tough economic times.
Communications manager Melanie Palmer said this year's party, at Mills Reef Winery, would follow a similar approach. She said the celebration would be "pretty economical, but a good chance for staff to get together and celebrate the season we've just completed and get recharged for next year."
Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Max Mason said his "gut feel" was that most Bay businesses would have "low-key" Christmas celebrations - particularly small businesses.
Employers would celebrate with and reward their staff but would be more likely to spend less per head, he said.
"That seems to be the way things are going.
"I am also optimistic a lot of the economic indicators are improving.
"I would like to see a bit more consumer confidence return to the market, and businesses to reward their employees with a lot of fun and a good meal out to say thanks. It's a nice way to say thanks."
Mr Mason had observed a trend in recent years toward back-to-basics outdoor parties.
"Instead of going out to a restaurant, they are going out and enjoying the barbecues in public areas and parks.
"That seems to be quite a popular option to enjoy the wonderful weather and environment we have in the Bay of Plenty."
When it comes to combining work and play on the biggest party night of the year, Mr Mason advises caution.
"It's always a balance between being sensible and having a good time. Don't overdo it, but life is short so enjoy it while you can."
Mrs Abbot recommended eating before going to the party in case the meal was delayed by long speeches.
"Limit your alcohol intake because there's nothing worse than embarrassing yourself in front of the boss."
The most important thing was to have fun and "bring your dancing shoes", she said.
"If we all put on our Christmas cheer we are going to have a fantastic night."
WHAT NOT TO DO:
* Take your clothes off.
* Have too much to drink and inappropriately use the photocopier.
* Ride a mechanical bull.
* Challenge staff to drinking competitions.
* Tell your boss he looks lovely.
* Get caught on camera.
* Down shots of tequila and then suggest a karaoke competition.
* Kick around a full wine casket. It might explode.
* Tell your boss that you'd actually rather be watching Twilight.