Ideas for Christmas parties [Archive] - Mobile Disco Directory Forum

Solitaire Events Ltd

15-03-2010, 11:17 AM

I am currently putting together a tender for a Hotel for their Christmas parties and they want 'extras'. They want a USP and are looking for the entertainment companies to provide that. It has to be original, inexpensive and fun.

I have racked my brains and can't really think of anything that hasn't been done before.

I already have the lighting, music and quiz side sorted out, but need something extra to offer.

Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

Javlingames

15-03-2010, 11:22 AM

Hmm tough, If they dont have much of a budget they are going to be stuck with the usual typical cheap musical theme nights that a dj can provide. Live entertainemnt or performers in general are going to cost. Theres hundreds of ideas but all involve some sort of expense for decor, artistes etc. Il have a think.

Solitaire Events Ltd

15-03-2010, 11:26 AM

Hmm tough, If they dont have much of a budget

I didn't say they didn't have much of a budget. ;)

Inexpensive means I make more profit. ;)

Let's say we have around £600 a night to play with. (that includes DJ/disco and lighting)

Javlingames

15-03-2010, 11:32 AM

Solitaire Events Ltd

15-03-2010, 11:35 AM

One night could be a james bond type theme, 2 casino tables, black tie event, bond music through dinner. If budget allows maybe some extras like bond girls dancing, guns and such gadgets on the tables.

Thanks for the idea, but they had casino tables last year and they don't want them this year.

Javlingames

15-03-2010, 11:37 AM

Instead of casino tables maybe a james bond style car racing simulator?

Solitaire Events Ltd

15-03-2010, 11:40 AM

Instead of casino tables maybe a james bond style car racing simulator?

A bit more information - the theme is red ties and tiaras, so probably not James Bond.

Javlingames

15-03-2010, 11:43 AM

A quick search of images and it came up with something like this

http://www.enterleisure.co.uk/astonmartins.JPG

DJ Frankie

15-03-2010, 11:45 AM

How about a big race night, you could get your self a large fast fold screen with drape (Hiring is cheaper) and projector and run a full on race night which includes the horses or Dogs.
Or look at bingo nights where the prices could be drinks vouchers from the bar or hotel breaks etc.

Another idea could be gameshow nights, again a fastfold screen for backdrops (Graphics videos etc) and can include runaround, take your pick, deal or no deal etc.

These are just some of the events we did when I was a redcoat, and can create a great atmosphere with a good crowd.

Frankie

or game show night with compare and includes a disco, you could run games like take you pick, run around and deal or no deal type of evening etc???

visualdjmax

15-03-2010, 11:52 AM

We don't you incorporate your Karaoke skills and do an X Factor style competition evening, with a stage set, well starcloth etc. Each table is themed as a group. Give them prop boxes with song words and wigs etc that are inkeeping with the band that they are trying to copy. Give them the boxes just as they sit down to dinner and then they work out all through dinner who is going to sing what etc and plan theer performance. After dinner you call up each table to perform etc.Give me a bell if you want more info. It's really easy and managable budget wise.

ppentertainments

15-03-2010, 12:09 PM

race night combined with a disco works very well for me !!

Charlie Brown

15-03-2010, 12:49 PM

What's a USP Darren?

Solitaire Events Ltd

15-03-2010, 12:55 PM

What's a USP Darren?

Unique selling point.

Excalibur

15-03-2010, 05:48 PM

What's a USP Darren?

Unique selling point.

Oh.:o :o And there was me thinking it was a dyslexic parcel delivery service. :coat:

Solitaire Events Ltd

15-03-2010, 05:54 PM

Taxi for Excalibur....

Ryu

15-03-2010, 06:25 PM

Xmas Fancy dress?
Visuals? (hire in/use some screens)
giant secret Santa
80's Christmas (Inc fancy dress)
an 'anti-xmas' theme night (great cheap cop out idea)

There. Think they call that a brain dump.

wensleydale

15-03-2010, 06:36 PM

Some kind of game show or Wii on a big screen with prizes?

CRAZY K

15-03-2010, 11:02 PM

kilmeedyman

16-03-2010, 02:03 AM

Some kind of game show or Wii on a big screen with prizes?

Something Wii based sounds like a plan....... thinking machine on......

visualdjmax

16-03-2010, 05:47 AM

Meat Raffle? Strike up a deal with the local butcher?

Solitaire Events Ltd

16-03-2010, 10:08 AM

rob1963

16-03-2010, 10:35 AM

Personally, I think there will be a lot of people who just want to dance and party.

I agree.

Probably the vast majority...especially of they only have a couple of hours.

It does make me laugh the way some people go on about this USP thing. If it ain't broke...

Corabar Entertainment

16-03-2010, 10:41 AM

Solitaire Events Ltd

16-03-2010, 10:52 AM

If you're worried about timings, how about something that can take place during the meal?

First thing that pops into my head, is something with a 'magical' theme and a table magician going round the tables. That way, it won't eat into the party time.

...and unfortunately that is what they did last year - that and casino tables. I like the idea of race night, but logistically it would be a nightmare.

Hmmmm....

StarZSoundS

16-03-2010, 11:09 AM

If you're worried about timings, how about something that can take place during the meal?

First thing that pops into my head, is something with a 'magical' theme and a table magician going round the tables. That way, it won't eat into the party time.

A little hand out quiz that incorporates all the issues....

Music/Christmas/Fun etc

Write down the year

For instance
1963.................TB..............IFF

The first set of initials is the group....the second the song.

Do it on one piece of paper for all the Christmas Number 1's From the first one to current....

Darren you are looking to import The Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the function OR Krakatoa erupting on the Dance Floor....

Sometimes less is more!!!

Shaun

16-03-2010, 11:11 AM

How about a Caricaturist (http://www.createdfx.co.uk/gigs)? The downside is I'm guessing it won't be cheap.

Solitaire Events Ltd

16-03-2010, 11:17 AM

A little hand out quiz that incorporates all the issues....

Music/Christmas/Fun etc

Write down the year

For instance
1963.................TB..............IFF

The first set of initials is the group....the second the song.

Do it on one piece of paper for all the Christmas Number 1's From the first one to current....

Darren you are looking to import The Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the function OR Krakatoa erupting on the Dance Floor....

Sometimes less is more!!!

Perhaps, but that is not what they asked for in the initial meeting, so makes that comment a little pointless.

I have been running quizzes and the like for 20 years, so have plenty of ideas there. :)

Jonathan Ford

16-03-2010, 11:26 AM

How about using the red tie malarkey to incorporate some Russian theme? Vodka cocktails, Cossack dancing etc.? Prizes for the best Cossack dancer?

Charlie Brown

16-03-2010, 11:34 AM

Shaun

16-03-2010, 11:45 AM

http://playingtricks.co.uk/?page_id=5

That man is a comedy/magician genius.

I saw him on a cruise ship - then tracked him down a year later for Grandads 80th. He then performed at my cousins wedding. Stunning, superb, amazing and out of this world. He is wasted on cruise ships - makes quite a hefty living out of it though.

Search him on Youtube.

Ummm, Charlie... :P

First thing that pops into my head, is something with a 'magical' theme and a table magician going round the tables.

...and unfortunately that is what they did last year

Charlie Brown

16-03-2010, 11:59 AM

Yes, but he isn't a table magician. He is a show. Very very funny comedian with clever magic slipped in.

Best act I have ever seen both on the TV or in real life.

Excalibur

16-03-2010, 05:02 PM

The other thing is with this and I have already mentioned it to them, is that these are all dinner/dances and finish at 12 midnight, so we'll probably only have 2 hours for disco and whatever else we need to do.

Personally, I think there will be a lot of people who just want to dance and party.

If you're worried about timings, how about something that can take place during the meal?

First thing that pops into my head, is something with a 'magical' theme and a table magician going round the tables. That way, it won't eat into the party time.

Could you run a "Murder Mystery Evening"? I don't know, cos I've never attended one.

StarZSoundS

16-03-2010, 05:09 PM

Could you run a "Murder Mystery Evening"? I don't know, cos I've never attended one.

Hey....we could have one for the Forum!!!

Who would you most like as the victim:whistle: :whistle: :whistle:

ppentertainments

16-03-2010, 05:13 PM

The other thing is with this and I have already mentioned it to them, is that these are all dinner/dances and finish at 12 midnight, so we'll probably only have 2 hours for disco and whatever else we need to do.

Personally, I think there will be a lot of people who just want to dance and party.
Yes I agree with you. I have tried to cram a lot into nights before and it has backfired as people don't have time to 'digest' what is happening.

What are the problems logistically with a race night ?? May have a few ideas. The only problem with any 'money' entertainment though is that everyone will have had a few :beer1: :beer1: by the end of the meal and TBH I think they will want to dance.

Are they elderly, young, mixture or do you not know ??

JDB Entertainment

16-03-2010, 05:39 PM

Whacky Waiters or Fake Security.

Want a good company Darren PM me. :)

Solitaire Events Ltd

17-03-2010, 09:20 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions so far.

I have now had another idea to tie in with the theme, so to that end, I need recommendations for a decent (ish) camera, that looks like a press camera and that can have a large flash added on top. Anyone know what I am talking about!!???

Spirits High

17-03-2010, 09:44 AM

Solitaire Events Ltd

17-03-2010, 09:47 AM

Your idea along these lines then Daz?

Exactly. I think I phoned those guys this morning - I recognise the picture.

Excalibur

17-03-2010, 06:43 PM

Your idea along these lines then Daz?

If that's involved, I'm getting very worried now. :eek:

JDB Entertainment

17-03-2010, 06:53 PM

Same people who do the Whacky Waiters then! :)

Digitalsounds

17-03-2010, 07:17 PM

Same people who do the Whacky Waiters then! :)

And heres me thinking you were the whacky waiter james :D

Solitaire Events Ltd

17-03-2010, 08:14 PM

I had a quote for 2 x fake paps this morning.

£695 for 2 hours. Ever think you're in the wrong job?

Corabar Entertainment

17-03-2010, 08:16 PM

:eek: :eek:

Excalibur

17-03-2010, 08:25 PM

I had a quote for 2 x fake paps this morning.

£695 for 2 hours. Ever think you're in the wrong job?

I reckon you could get real ones for less. :D :D

wensleydale

17-03-2010, 09:12 PM

I had a quote for 2 x fake paps this morning.

£695 for 2 hours. Ever think you're in the wrong job?

I'll do it for £500

JDB Entertainment

18-03-2010, 01:05 AM

Darren,

I can get them alot cheaper than that for you.

HINT: I am in the acting industry aswell! ;)

And heres me thinking you were the whacky waiter james :D

I have done it in the past!

Solitaire Events Ltd

18-03-2010, 08:55 AM

Darren,

I can get them alot cheaper than that for you.

HINT: I am in the acting industry aswell! ;)

I have done it in the past!

OK, PM me a price for 2 x paps for a maximum of 2 hours in the Reading area for between 8 - 10 nights in December.

Kernow

18-03-2010, 10:08 AM

OK, PM me a price for 2 x paps for a maximum of 2 hours in the Reading area for between 8 - 10 nights in December.

Just get the right 'names' fictionally printed on the guest lists and you'll get at least a few dozen for free ;)

:D

Excalibur

18-03-2010, 12:26 PM

I reckon you could get real ones for less. :D :D

Just get the right 'names' fictionally printed on the guest lists and you'll get at least a few dozen for free ;)

:D

Ahem. ;) Same thing different words. ;) ;) :D :D

Kernow

18-03-2010, 04:29 PM

Just get the right 'names' fictionally printed on the guest lists and you'll get at least a few dozen for free ;)

:D

I reckon you could get real ones for less. :D :D

Ahem. ;) Same thing different words. ;) ;) :D :D

In a rare departure from my universal agreement with all you say ;) ......

Less has often been referred to as more, but to my my certain knowledge, never as nowt !! :)

Corabar Entertainment

18-03-2010, 04:35 PM

In fairness, FREE is definitely LESS than £695 :p :D

Kernow

18-03-2010, 04:48 PM

In fairness, FREE is definitely LESS than £695 :p :D

You are, as always, correct Angela.....everything is relative :)

JDB Entertainment

18-03-2010, 05:16 PM

Darren, I am working with the guy who supplies these tomorrow.

I have emailed him, so I will PM you when I know a price. :)

Solitaire Events Ltd

18-03-2010, 09:34 PM

Darren, I am working with the guy who supplies these tomorrow.

I have emailed him, so I will PM you when I know a price. :)

OK, cool.

The proposal and tender has just been emailed to the Hotel GM, so fingers crossed. :)

DJMaxG

19-03-2010, 12:17 AM

I have now had another idea to tie in with the theme, so to that end, I need recommendations for a decent (ish) camera, that looks like a press camera and that can have a large flash added on top. Anyone know what I am talking about!!???

It depends whether you want a modern style camera, or a traditional one. Modern style cameras that the press use tend cost £2,000-£5,700 and are not really required for all types of shooting.

It depends whether you want to get images out of it, or just use it as a prop.

I reckon you could get real ones for less. :D :D

Yes, and you would actually get printed images out of it :approve:

Will the audience percept them as being press, or will they just assume that they are taking photographs for the hotel's archive.

Corabar Entertainment

19-03-2010, 12:29 AM

It depends whether you want a modern style camera, or a traditional one. Modern style cameras that the press use tend cost £2,000-£5,700 and are not really required for all types of shooting.

It depends whether you want to get images out of it, or just use it as a prop....and what would your recommendations be in each case then Max?
Will the audience percept them ......did you mean 'perceive' there? :confused:

Mark Wild

19-03-2010, 12:31 AM

DMC Events (David) Had some fake paps at his Christmas events, maybe ask him?

DJMaxG

19-03-2010, 03:16 AM

...and what would your recommendations be in each case then Max?

I'm no photographer, but if you want a decent camera, then it depends what you want to do with it, amount of budget, where you use it, how tough wearing it needs to be etc. If you wish to buy a real working professional camera, then as previously mentioned, it will cost £2,500 and upwards.

As far as I know, there is no such thing as a fake camera, on the market at the moment, so you would have to use a proper one, which obviously costs, But used SLRs on ebay may be an idea, you could probably even get a broken one (sold for spares) to use, fit on a working flash and away you go, or a working one, and keep the images for fun.

I don't know whether Darren intends to have a full set of images at the end of the night or not, But it seems unusual to just have a pair of still photographers, as a realistic papparazi crew consists also of Videographers and Journalists with dictaphones etc.

Is there supposed to be Live singing involved? :confused:

did you mean 'perceive' there? :confused:

Yes, the English vocabulary for you ;)

Solitaire Events Ltd

19-03-2010, 07:38 AM

DMC Events (David) Had some fake paps at his Christmas events, maybe ask him?

OK, thanks.....although

The proposal and tender has just been emailed to the Hotel GM, so fingers crossed. :)

But it seems unusual to just have a pair of still photographers, as a realistic papparazi crew consists also of Videographers and Journalists with dictaphones etc.

Max, you become more clueless by the day.

Excalibur

19-03-2010, 08:54 AM

Max, you become more clueless by the day.

http://planetsmilies.net/confused-smiley-17720.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

But eager, helpful and interesting. ;) :D :D

Solitaire Events Ltd

19-03-2010, 08:55 AM

http://planetsmilies.net/confused-smiley-17720.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

helpful and interesting. ;) :D :D

Debatable...

Corabar Entertainment

19-03-2010, 10:24 AM

I'm no photographer, but if you want a decent camera, then it depends what you want to do with it, amount of budget, where you use it, how tough wearing it needs to be etc. If you wish to buy a real working professional camera, then as previously mentioned, it will cost £2,500 and upwards.

As far as I know, there is no such thing as a fake camera, on the market at the moment, so you would have to use a proper one, which obviously costs, But used SLRs on ebay may be an idea, you could probably even get a broken one (sold for spares) to use, fit on a working flash and away you go, or a working one, and keep the images for fun.

I don't know whether Darren intends to have a full set of images at the end of the night or not, But it seems unusual to just have a pair of still photographers, as a realistic papparazi crew consists also of Videographers and Journalists with dictaphones etc.

So if you really don't have any knowledge on the subject, why bother posting in the first place!?!

Excalibur

19-03-2010, 11:24 AM

So if you really don't have any knowledge on the subject, why bother posting in the first place!?!

That's never stopped any of us before. :sofa:

DJMaxG

19-03-2010, 01:44 PM

Angela,
I said that I wasn't a Professional Photographer, I didn't say that I don't have knowledge on the subject, although could have been more specific in my previous post. I wondered why the party required fake paparazzi, whether it was an X Factor style Karaoke or something.

Solitaire Events Ltd

19-03-2010, 03:41 PM

Ladies and gentlemen.....'tis in the bag.

34 proposed nights...!!!!!

Mark Wild

19-03-2010, 03:42 PM

Ladies and gentlemen.....'tis in the bag.

34 proposed nights...!!!!!

Champion

Charlie Brown

19-03-2010, 03:43 PM

What was decided?

JDB Entertainment

19-03-2010, 04:32 PM

Darren do you still want a quote off my friend?

I have seen him today and he will be back in the office later so said he would put something together?

Solitaire Events Ltd

20-03-2010, 12:42 PM

Darren do you still want a quote off my friend?

I have seen him today and he will be back in the office later so said he would put something together?

I'm pretty sure I have it sorted now James - you have to be quick these days!

JDB Entertainment

20-03-2010, 03:20 PM

I'm pretty sure I have it sorted now James - you have to be quick these days!

No Problem.

If you get let down, drop me a PM and I will get on to my friend or give you his number.

I didn't see him yesterday as he was doing a Murder Mystery instead, however I seen him today and he said he could definately do it for less than what you have been quoted.

So if you want a little bit more profit let me know :)

wensleydale

20-03-2010, 03:46 PM

No Problem.

If you get let down, drop me a PM and I will get on to my friend or give you his number.

I didn't see him yesterday as he was doing a Murder Mystery instead, however I seen him today and he said he could definately do it for less than what you have been quoted.

So if you want a little bit more profit let me know :)

I can still do it for less than he was quoted.

Solitaire Events Ltd

20-03-2010, 03:49 PM

I can still do it for less than he was quoted.

Can you supply 2 fake paps and a studio too?

wensleydale

20-03-2010, 03:52 PM

Can you supply 2 fake paps and a studio too?

I must have missed the bit about the studio?

Solitaire Events Ltd

20-03-2010, 03:55 PM

I must have missed the bit about the studio?

That's 'cos I didn't post anything about it.

Is there actually any point in this conversation?

wensleydale

20-03-2010, 04:15 PM

That's 'cos I didn't post anything about it.

Is there actually any point in this conversation?

Perhaps
Will send you a PM.

Excalibur

20-03-2010, 04:50 PM

I'm pretty sure I have it sorted now James - you have to be quick these days!

Agreed. After all, it's only nine months to Christmas. ;) ;) :D :D :D :D

Solitaire Events Ltd

20-03-2010, 07:04 PM

Agreed. After all, it's only nine months to Christmas. ;) ;) :D :D :D :D

And a lot less time before they

A. Get their brochures printed
B. Start their marketing campaign.

Excalibur

20-03-2010, 07:21 PM

And a lot less time before they

A. Get their brochures printed
B. Start their marketing campaign.

Then I stand humbly and ashamedly chastised for having the temerity to post a jocular aside about the relevant window of opportunity. :( :( :( :( :o :o :o :o :o :( :( :( :( I don't know what I can have been thinking of. :( :( How remiss of me. In future I shall confine my remarks to serious matters, and refrain from such pointless levity.

Oh look what I've just seen.

:fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: