More companies hosting Christmas parties this year

September 6, 2010

Increasing numbers of businesses are seeing the value of holding an office Christmas party and the number of bookings is soaring, according to events planners in Houston, Texas.

But, while Christmas party reservations are up significantly compared to last year at a number of Houston hotels and restaurants, companies are spending less on their events, according to catering directors.

Adam Rineer, director of catering and convention services for the Westin Galleria and Westin Oaks hotels said, "Overall it's much more positive this year - we're much more booked. We have come out of the recession, but people are still cautious in their spending."

In 2008, the majority of corporate party planners opted for free bars, so their staff could drink as much as they liked. Now, many of them are saving money by opting for cash bars.

Some venues have seen reservations increase by as much as 10 to 20 per cent, citing people wanting to celebrate a light at the end of the tunnel following the recession as the reason.

"People are thinking, we've made it through some tough times, and we're going to have a holiday party this year," said one event planner.