Don’t forget the bonbons! Source: Supplied

Whether you’re planning an event for work, friends or family, here are event specialists Eventbrite’s top tips for a very merry time.

Build the buzz

While angels sang from merrily on high to herald the first Christmas, your nearest winged option is likely Twitter. Get on social media and hype your event with a unique #hashtag. Make the hashtag simple and visible, so your guests will use in when posting photos during and after the event. This will not only raise visibility and showcase the fun everyone had, but it’s a great crowdsourced view of the experience — all in one place!

Christmas tucker

If you’ve got access to a garden or outdoor space — it could be a rooftop — a barbecue is an ideal way to keep the food coming continuously. It also helps avoid waste because you can just freeze unused snags. Food preferences are a minefield these days, so ask people to RSVP with any allergies, try to keep a range of options, and consider labelling things “gluten-free” or “contains nuts.”

An outdoor setting is perfect for a barbecue. Source: News Limited

Ditch the place settings

Holidays are for sharing, so don’t sit people down at a table where they get stuck with neighbours they may not even like. And never, ever do “alternates” or alternate drop: who wants fish when their neighbours have steak? Instead let everyone float around, mingle and keep freely spreading the holiday cheer. Buffets are a much better way to encourage this.

Crimbo cocktails

Sozzled Santas aren’t a pretty sight so consider how much free booze you really want to lay on. It’s a tricky balance because guests may leave and grumble if the drink runs dry, but there are ways to control the intake. A big Christmas punch bowl is one idea as you have control over the alcohol level, and it’s more cost-effective and fun than individual cans and bottles. It’s easy to do a non-alcoholic version as well: don’t forget all the non-drinkers out there, they might be disappointed if limited to soda or mineral water.

Be sure to limit the alcohol. You’ll thank us later. Source: Supplied

Pick the perfect theme

Having a theme makes your party more memorable and stand out from the rest. It doesn’t have to be costumes, you can just as easily theme it though the choice of food and drink, the decor and the music. Australia’s hot Christmas heatwave means padded Santa suits aren’t fun, so how about a cool-down Frozen party? You’ll be thrilled to know they make “Elsa dresses” in adult sizes too …

Getting into the groove

Nothing spells festive failure more than an empty dance floor, with guests moping awkwardly around the edges. One way to encourage shy folk to strut their stuff is to hire professional dancers to heat up the dance floor — or even just groove around the party if no dance floor is provided. Try a hip hop troupe or a Strictly Ballroom tribute act.

Room at the inn

For private parties, avoid gatecrashers by making your Facebook event page invite-only, or charging a small admission fee. Public venues often come with bouncers, but these days even a private party can suffer the Facebook effect if the details go viral. On the other hand, if it’s a public event, make sure you use this Facebook effect to your advantage!

Happy planning!