Christmas Dinner Dances

[Casual77]

Well it's that time of year and like most other DJs I'm inundated with Christmas Dinner Dance Party gigs. I thought I had a little over a week until my first one but I've just agreed to do one this Friday as a favour to one of my regular customers so I've now got less than 48 hours to get myself ready.

Having only started DJing earlier this year, this will be my first Christmas as a DJ and I could do with a little guidance to help me clarify how I will approach these gigs. The common format seems to be 2-3 hours of background music followed by a 2-3 hour disco. I don't see this being a problem but I do have a few questions to float past any experienced Christmas party DJs on here.

With regards to the background music... Should this be exclusively Christmas songs or would it be better to play a mix of both Christmas and non-Christmas songs?

Should I save the bigger Christmas hits for the main disco set and, if so, should they be saved for the last half an hour or would they be better played earlier in the night?

In the absence of any other information should I be looking to play an even mix of popular songs covering all bases from the 1960s through to present day, or should I generally expect an older age group and look to play mainly 60's, Motown, soul, 70's disco etc

Are there any particular 'Do's' or 'Don'ts' that I would be well-advised to bear in mind?

I appreciate that there is no particular right or wrong way of doing these but I'd welcome the thoughts of anyone who has a tried and tested approach to this type of gig.

[mattydj50]

Well it's that time of year and like most other DJs I'm inundated with Christmas Dinner Dance Party gigs. I thought I had a little over a week until my first one but I've just agreed to do one this Friday as a favour to one of my regular customers so I've now got less than 48 hours to get myself ready.

Having only started DJing earlier this year, this will be my first Christmas as a DJ and I could do with a little guidance to help me clarify how I will approach these gigs. The common format seems to be 2-3 hours of background music followed by a 2-3 hour disco. I don't see this being a problem but I do have a few questions to float past any experienced Christmas party DJs on here.

With regards to the background music... Should this be exclusively Christmas songs or would it be better to play a mix of both Christmas and non-Christmas songs?

Should I save the bigger Christmas hits for the main disco set and, if so, should they be saved for the last half an hour or would they be better played earlier in the night?

In the absence of any other information should I be looking to play an even mix of popular songs covering all bases from the 1960s through to present day, or should I generally expect an older age group and look to play mainly 60's, Motown, soul, 70's disco etc

Are there any particular 'Do's' or 'Don'ts' that I would be well-advised to bear in mind?

I appreciate that there is no particular right or wrong way of doing these but I'd welcome the thoughts of anyone who has a tried and tested approach to this type of gig.

Hi Allan, here's my two pennorth then.

For my background music, as its one of your regulars, ask them what they would prefer. At the HI, they specified Christmas music during the meals so that's what they get. I use the Grandmaster Christmas and DMC Christmas Monsterjams and just let them run (and run..)

If its a mixed party then don't try to second guess the crowd. Even then, as you know, you might think "older crowd" but when the requests come in it might surprise you. I don't play too many Christmas songs, maybe 2 or 3 fairly early on and another 2 or 3 later. If its say a retail outlet party (I did Curry's one year), they specified no Christmas songs all night! They were sick of hearing nothing but Christmas tunes in the shops for the last 6 weeks. I can understand that.

We do an ice breaker game during the meal. Heads and tails, charging £1 to take part and the proceeds going to the chosen charity which is Guide Dogs for the Blind again this year. A free Sunday Lunch for 2 is the prize. If your venue likes this, you can use it as a chance to introduce yourself during the food, we do it between main course and dessert, while the staff are doing a clear up.

Something esi I do for mixed Christmas Parties is get a table plan and go round the room and get each table (company, organisation or just the party organiser's name) to "make some noise"

Even if there is the odd "table for two" make a bit of a fuss of them and make them all feel important.

Hope it goes well, I'm sure you'll do a good job. Even I still get the nerves now.

[Excalibur]

" The only rule is that there are no rules ".

All good advice from Matty there. Main difference is I don't play Xmas music on autopilot. For those of us who've seen a few Christmases, we try to find some different ones to break the monotony. Corabar Steve is a past master at this, and I've posted a few, I think. Not all are suitable for every function, my We Wish You A Headbanging Christmas album doesn't come out that much. :)

The age old question of when to play Slade and Mariah. :confused: Some folk use them as a signal that the meal's over, and it's time to dance. Others ( like me ) signal that it's nearly the end of the night, and it's time to remember what time of year it is.

Every audience will be different, some want every Christmas song you have, others as Matty has said may already have had their fill, and just want The Usual Suspects. Good luck, have fun. :)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

In my opinion, these bookings are pretty easy to get into a routine.
With reference to the background music during the meal, I have created a few different playlists that break up the monotomy of just Christmas music. There'll be some of the slower and classic Christmas tunes alongside slower, chilled out current chart stuff and classics. Stuff that people can sing along to at their tables etc.

One of the most important things I'd say though is when it comes to mixed company bookings.
I'm not sure if this is the case everywhere else but there are occasions where you may have a number of different companies out for their Christmas party. The idea is to make them ALL feel part of the evening and not isolate anyone or let particular companies take control as if it is just their night if you know what I mean?

It doesn't happen that often but over the years I have had a couple of examples where one large group in the room have wanted to do some kind of presentation / awards thing and it hasn't gone down too well with everyone else who has been raring to get up on that dance floor. It can come across as me, me, me and I don't think that's fair on everyone else. If it is a party night for one company then it's no problem at all but when there are others in attendance I just think it's a no no. Saying that, the times it has happened I didn't really have much say over it as the company had already gone to a lot of bother to sort things out beforehand.

One of my parties next weekend is for the NHS and they've already been in touch this week as they have a lot of ideas and are planning to do a Star Wars themed pantomime after the meal. I don't have a problem with that at all. The organiser was a bit miffed though when I said I wasn't allowed to use smoke in the hotel. He only wanted "a few puffs for effect" as he put it but it can't be done.

The way I work personally with Christmas parties is that I let the background music do its thing via VDJ and I get away from the place. I usually go home, chill out and have a bath and return around 10 - 15 minutes before the end of the meal. I'd say 9 times out of 10 when I walk into the room people guess that I am the DJ and there will be a few people that will come over and ask when I am starting and ask for requests. Before I actually play the first song the lights will go down and everyone cheers. I will introduce myself, tell everyone that I take requests and welcome everybody. Again, if it is a party of mixed companies I will make a point beforehand of finding out who is who and welcome each table and encourage them to make some noise (which they usually do as soon as they hear their name called out).

Then after that, it's a case of picking a decent floorfiller to get as many people up as possible. A few years ago I used Black Eyed Peas - I've Got A Feeling and that worked well as did Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger and Pharrell Williams - Happy. It would be very easy to use the likes of Uptown Funk but then is that using a sure fire filler too early? I guess you just judge the crowd and take it from there really. You can go off in any direction but a mixed bag covering all of the decades usually works well.
With reference to Christmas tunes - They get requested every now and then and it's usually the same 5 tracks that people will request - Slade, Shakin' Stevens, Mariah Carey, Roy Wood and The Pogues.

Once you get into the swing of things it really is easy and you may find sometimes that you may just have 2.5hrs - 3hrs playing time depending on how long the meals last.
People generally want to dance and enjoy the evening and remember, although a lot of us do the job week in, week out and play the tunes all of the time....some people may only experience a 'Disco' at the company Christmas party because they don't go out too much so some very random requests may get thrown at you.

I had one older gentleman come up to me a few years back during a party at peak time with the dance floor packed and ask for a Perry Como song. I said I'd see what I can do and he said "This is my Christmas party too young man!" (hence what I said above about not concentrating on one lot or isolating others). On that night it was a mixed party and the majority were young(er).

Apologies for the long post - I don't think there's anything to be concerned about. You can treat them like a wedding in that you play a mixed bag to TRY and please everybody but without the formalities etc...One additional thing I would say about Christmas parties (and this is just my personal opinion), is that you go through a few weeks of multiple parties, getting into a routine and generally playing for less hours and then when they're all done and dusted it's back into the Weddings / Birthdays etc and back to the additional hours and I find it difficult at first to get back into that groove. It doesn't last long though!

Good luck!

[Excalibur]

In my opinion, these bookings are pretty easy to get into a routine.
Indeed, but is a routine a good or a bad thing? Does it lead to us simply doing what we did last night/week/year?


The way I work personally with Christmas parties is that I let the background music do its thing via VDJ and I get away from the place. I usually go home, chill out and have a bath and return around 10 - 15 minutes before the end of the meal.

Now obviously that works for you, but when I'm away from the venue and kit, I'm always worried. Furthest I venture away from the kit normally is an adjacent room.

In the dim and distant past ( CDs ) :D we used to program suitable tracks on repeat on the players for background music, so you didn't get Slade while the guests were eating. Well on one occasion some :muppet: ( who shall remain nameless, :whistle: ) didn't press the button enough times, and instead of Repeat All, used Repeat 1. Oops. :o:o:o:o:o

[ppentertainments]

As mentioned already, each night is different. Many people disagree with me but I think Xmas party nights are more varied than weddings etc.
One important note – please do not be one of these DJs who simply set background music off playing through the meal then disappear. My mindset is that the party starts as soon as people enter the room.

I have done 4 Xmas parties since Saturday and each one has varied greatly. Song choices through the meal on Saturday included YMCA, We Will Rock You, Come on Eileen, Town called Malice and even The Conga (when I was made aware of a short delay between main course and dessert). In contrast last night I played pan pipe music throughout the meal and the tempo for the rest of the evening never really got much quicker.

It is great to walk around the room whilst the meal is on as you can get a good feel for the crowd you have. Other ice breakers such as ‘loudest table’ and ’12 days of xmas’ can go down a storm with the right crowd.

Following my first xmas party of the season on Saturday I found that the GM of another hotel was there to spy on what I was doing, he even commented that all the DJs he know have never ventured onto the dancefloor to introduce themselves and just popped a mix of xmas songs on for during the meal.

Upshot of it all, which I still can’t believe, is that my resident venue have actually offered me more money for each night, without having to do anything different – many people from Saturday have rebooked with different parties on the back of such a good night. (not trying to blow smoke up my own bottom or anything)

It is hard to advise without knowing what style of DJ you are, but my main advise is to be of the mindset that as soon as people walk through the door, that is when the party – and your job – commences.

[Casual77]

Thanks all for the advice (and any from anyone else would be appreciated). I've got five Christmas Dinner Dance gigs at four different venues with four coming through one agency. I'm waiting on more information on the gigs but my suspicion at this stage is that I will be largely going in blind with regards to the make-up of the attendees and will have to wing it on the night.... so a bit of a routine would not necessarily be a bad thing!

My current thoughts based on what people have said is to go for largely low-key Christmas songs for the background music and leave those on autoplay. All the gigs are some distance away so there is no prospect of me going home, and like Peter, I'm not overly comfortable leaving my gear to run itself (although I might have a wander around the venue). I will leave the big five Christmas songs (highlighted by Shakermaker) out of the background selection and save those to form a generic last 20 minutes of the night that I can aim to use on all five gigs (unless the night goes in a different direction). That probably leaves me about two and a half hours in between which I can fill with the biggest uplifting songs over the past 50 years supplemented by any requests I get.

I've probably bitten off more than I would ordinarily like to chew on top of a full-time day job, but I figure I may as well 'make hay while the sun shines because I'm expecting January and February to be relatively quiet. If I can get into a largely replicable routine they could be among the easiest and most lucrative gigs I've done.

Another question has just occurred to me. Is there generally a black tie dress code for these things or will 'smart casual' generally suffice? I would normally wear a black logoed shirt but can't do that on the four gigs where I am representing the agency.

[Casual77]

Other ice breakers such as ‘loudest table’ and ’12 days of xmas’ can go down a storm with the right crowd.


I'm really not sure where I stand on this one. With the exception of the fifth and last of these Christmas parties (where I am being hired directly by the venue) I am being hired by the venue via a third party agent. Under this scenario is there likely to be an expectation that I will bring the party and initiate party games, or should that only be done on the request of the venue events manager? I'm assuming that I will be providing a fairly 'vanilla' disco experience unless specifically requested to do something different on the night. Is that the right mindset or should I go in to these gigs expecting to offer far more than that?

[Excalibur]

It is hard to advise without knowing what style of DJ you are, but my main advise is to be of the mindset that as soon as people walk through the door, that is when the party – and your job – commences.
I agree with this in particular, and broadly with most everything else Chris posted.


Thanks all for the advice (and any from anyone else would be appreciated). I've got five Christmas Dinner Dance gigs at four different venues with four coming through one agency. I'm waiting on more information on the gigs but my suspicion at this stage is that I will be largely going in blind with regards to the make-up of the attendees and will have to wing it on the night.... so a bit of a routine would not necessarily be a bad thing!
Arrive early, and be approachable.



I've probably bitten off more than I would ordinarily like to chew on top of a full-time day job, but I figure I may as well 'make hay while the sun shines because I'm expecting January and February to be relatively quiet. If I can get into a largely replicable routine they could be among the easiest and most lucrative gigs I've done.
Ooh!!! You may not think that when ten guests want nothing but Christmas music, cos it's the season, another twenty are sick to death of Christmas songs already, a crowd of under 21s want R&Bilge, and the management say " play something to make them all dance ".


Another question has just occurred to me. Is there generally a black tie dress code for these things or will 'smart casual' generally suffice? I would normally wear a black logoed shirt but can't do that on the four gigs where I am representing the agency.
Dress code? Hmmm. (http://www.festivaloffun.com/Santa_Suit_5_Piece_XXL/p1996353_11118094.aspx)
For one of mine, that's what I'm wearing, apparently.
Normally, I go for shirt, tie, and the most tasteful hat I can find, ( something like this ) (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Adults-Unisex-Tinsel-Christmas-Tree-Bauble-Hat-Novelty-Green-Xmas-Fancy-Dress-/111815795558?hash=item1a08bda366:g:Yn8AAOSwAYtWOji A)preferably musical. Beware though, as I once had music in my ears all night, and hadn't realised the hat was playing a tune!!

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Indeed, but is a routine a good or a bad thing? Does it lead to us simply doing what we did last night/week/year?

Now obviously that works for you, but when I'm away from the venue and kit, I'm always worried. Furthest I venture away from the kit normally is an adjacent room.

Maybe I should have made myself a bit clearer mate. When I said 'routine' I wasn't talking about the music so much but a routine in general. Mine (if the equipment is set up already), is to leave the house at a certain time to get to the hotel to turn everything on, playlist sorted and ready to roll, go home, sort myself out and then get back, introductions, lights down etc...

Obviously the music varies as just like every booking I do....every one of them is personalised. Obviously (again), there are some tracks that you know are going to work so you play them but as far as same tunes, same order etc every night..... No, that's not the way I do things. We all find ourselves working a lot more regularly with multiple nights than we normally would so music set in stone is also a no no because it would be pretty boring wouldn't it?

As far as getting away from the kit and out of there. I have a very good working relationship with the DM at this particular hotel and trust him 110% with the equipment but also keeping an eye on it too. The playlist on VDJ is backed up by the same playlists on the Denon and he knows what to do should anything go wrong (which it never has as yet). If it did then I am literally a 2 minute drive away. Just to mention - the DM has actually taken a proper interest in how things work and what he needs to do since I have been there. It's the same when they hire PA stuff from me. I showed him about 3 times when I first started doing them and all I do these days is drop off the equipment for them.

In other words, everything is covered. The only reason I nip to the hotel to turn everything on is because I make sure that everything is how it should be and sound check too.

[Excalibur]

I wondered if you were referring more to your regular order of preparing and bathing, Gary. As I said though, I'm not a fan of unattended autoplay. I use autoplay a lot, but like to have the option of changing what comes in where, and adding to it as seems appropriate.

Obviously, you and the venue staff are on the same page, which to a certain extent comes from familiarity. When you're in a venue perhaps for the first time,that's not really an option. Seventeen nights in the same venue in a month is often a two edged sword. Been there, done that............................:)

[funkymook]

I think when you’re in a consecutive christmas parties in the same venue scenario you have to think of it more like being an actor or a singer (or any entertainer with a script/act). You will feel like your doing it by numbers as the same tunes will be played, your professionalism is in making it appear fresh to every new audience rather than trying to reinvent the wheel every night.

[ppentertainments]

Obviously, you and the venue staff are on the same page, which to a certain extent comes from familiarity. When you're in a venue perhaps for the first time,that's not really an option. Seventeen nights in the same venue in a month is often a two edged sword. Been there, done that............................:)
Also, it is not the venue holding THEIR xmas party, rather a group of paying guests attending the venue for their xmas party.

I've never understood how (especially for xmas) you can leave a playlist of the tunes you know are going to be well received playing. Moreso at xmas as (without sounding snobby) people attend xmas functions at venues where they would not ordinarily frequent.


Another question has just occurred to me. Is there generally a black tie dress code for these things or will 'smart casual' generally suffice? I would normally wear a black logoed shirt but can't do that on the four gigs where I am representing the agency.
This will depend entirely on any theme and the style of which the venue operate.
Last year my theme was 'masquerade' and I wore I dinner suit
This year it is Hollywood, with a very relaxed dress code so I have reverted to my usual tidy jeans and shirt.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I'm not sure how venues work or how some of you work when you do Christmas parties but when there are Christmas Party Nights (that's how they are advertised) at this particular venue (which is one of my residencies), then the format is that the guests turn up at 7.00pm for drinks and then they are taken through to the room around 7.30pm / 7.45pm for a 3 course meal. The background music is just that....background music. At another residency many moons ago they insisted I stood there for 2+ hours looking like a spare part (or however long it took depending on the number of guests). I thought it was uncomfortable for both myself and the guests. In that time nobody approached me to request songs.

I'd like to think that the playlists I have put together are pretty good and varied.

Now, private Christmas Parties are a different game altogether as far as the way I work. They are like any function I do in that I turn up and do what I have to do. There is no sitting around waiting for them to finish the roast potatoes or cheese cake. I get on with it from the start.

[ppentertainments]

Now, private Christmas Parties are a different game altogether as far as the way I work. They are like any function I do in that I turn up and do what I have to do. There is no sitting around waiting for them to finish the roast potatoes or cheese cake. I get on with it from the start.
What would you class as the differences between a private and venue xmas party ?
I treat both the same, albeit a private xmas party may not have a meal, but they usually do still

[Casual77]

I'm not sure how venues work or how some of you work when you do Christmas parties but when there are Christmas Party Nights (that's how they are advertised) at this particular venue (which is one of my residencies), then the format is that the guests turn up at 7.00pm for drinks and then they are taken through to the room around 7.30pm / 7.45pm for a 3 course meal. The background music is just that....background music.

Although my information is limited at this stage, this is the format that I am expecting for my five gigs. I don't think there are any private single-company Christmas parties where the format would be considerably different.

I'm a little concerned about my first one tomorrow night. I think the agency may have under-played the description to me a bit because it appears that it is at a 1,000 seating capacity venue. Unless I'm in a smaller room somewhere else in the venue I'm not sure my speakers will be up to the job!

[Nakatomi]

I won't, generally, leave DJ Autopilot in control of any background music for long.

Christmas parties at my residency are a different matter. There are between 2 & 3 hours to fill & to have to stand there like a lemon would be too much. I've tried telling my new minion to consider getting a Grandmaster or 2, cos he uses Serato, and that apparently won't do any automixing stuff at ALL (my my, that's a very clever oversight). For a Christmas party even, I tend to be sparing with Christmas tunes & put on some moderately downbeat music, gradually building up energy towards the time the tables are cleared. I'll keep a watchful eye on my laptop while it's doing its thing from time to time, then be full time in the room for the last half hour or so before I'm to start proper. This way I can get some real people watching in & read the room. It's not rocket science, any of this.

I tend to use a 'pool' of background music tracks I've pre-selected in advance, but I jiggle the order around a bit for the sake of the staff. In the last half hour before starting proper, it's all about seeing where there'll be any interest.

With regard to requests.. what I tend to find is that certain guests will be absolutely chomping at the bit & they'll come to you with reams of requests before you're even settled. Last night I was at my residency really early to set up Saturday's extra rig & have a chat with a new DJ I'm using, but when I showed him the room full of diners where my 'main' rig was - with more than an hour to go before disco time - we were accosted by 5 women getting their requests in early.

Go in with an open mind - Christmas parties are an exercise in crowd reading pure & simple. These days I'm going right in off the bat with Fleur East, then Uptown Funk, then wherever I fancy. Last 3 gigs have gone from empty to full floors in about 10 seconds. Depends on the room of course...

[Excalibur]

What would you class as the differences between a private and venue xmas party ?
I treat both the same, albeit a private xmas party may not have a meal, but they usually do still

I see what Gary's saying, and understand it totally. They are actually different. For the venue ones, he's contracted to play from say 9pm on. Providing background music is a bonus for the hotel, and a doddle for Gary, as he's already got the kit in early.
Private party, he's booked from say 7pm, and that's when he starts, even though, he may still be playing two hours of background, until the same 9pm dancing start.
It's a subtle difference granted, but it's a difference.



they could be among the easiest and most lucrative gigs I've done.



.

I'm a little concerned about my first one tomorrow night. I think the agency may have under-played the description to me a bit because it appears that it is at a 1,000 seating capacity venue. Unless I'm in a smaller room somewhere else in the venue I'm not sure my speakers will be up to the job!
Hmmmm. You're already concerned about " possibly the easiest gigs you've done " ? What did I say?
Your PA will be fine, you've got a sub ( or is it two? ). Use it to help the tops out, and don't forget, if you are playing to 1,000 people, background level at the back will be threshold of pain at the front, so it doesn't matter how big or small your PA is. Play to the dancefloor, quite possibly those at the back will thank you for that.

[funkymook]

What would you class as the differences between a private and venue xmas party ?
I treat both the same, albeit a private xmas party may not have a meal, but they usually do still

One major difference is a private party will all be friends and relations whilst a venue Christmas party is usually made up of several companies, so basically lots of separate groups of strangers with no common denominator apart from being out on their Christmas jolly.

[Excalibur]

with no common denominator apart from being out on their Christmas jolly.

One common denominator, perhaps? :whistle:

[ppentertainments]

One major difference is a private party will all be friends and relations whilst a venue Christmas party is usually made up of several companies, so basically lots of separate groups of strangers with no common denominator apart from being out on their Christmas jolly.
I agree, but as far as the disco is concerned I can't see any difference ?

[funkymook]

I agree, but as far as the disco is concerned I can't see any difference ?

I think you’re reading far too much into some of the comments to be honest.

[Casual77]

Hmmmm. You're already concerned about " possibly the easiest gigs you've done " ? What did I say?
Your PA will be fine, you've got a sub ( or is it two? ). Use it to help the tops out, and don't forget, if you are playing to 1,000 people, background level at the back will be threshold of pain at the front, so it doesn't matter how big or small your PA is. Play to the dancefloor, quite possibly those at the back will thank you for that.

I have got just the one sub but I'm not sure I'll be able to use it. These gigs are all in Sheffield city centre and from previous experience I know that parking can be a problem so I tend to take the car instead of the van. Unfortunately, this rules out taking the sub because there isn't room for it in the car.

I'm informed that I won't be in the largest room but that it will still be quite a large function room at Ponds Forge (for anyone who knows Sheffield). Apparently the night is being run by a large events management company and will have a circus theme with jugglers, acrobats and clowns etc. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not!

[ppentertainments]

I think you’re reading far too much into some of the comments to be honest.
Your probably right :)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

LOL...I might start thinking that you're picking on me Mr PP :)

Peter and Martin have it spot on!

Generally, I call a 'private' Christmas Party one that is away from the residency and is booked like a Birthday party or something where the guests aren't sat down for a meal and I have to stand there.

ALL of the Christmas Party Nights at the hotel residency work the way I've explained. Sometimes it may just be one company there because the numbers are large but it's the same deal in that the Party Nights are meal and disco. Just as many other places around the country do it, when there are lots of little companies or groups of friends who want to celebrate, the venue gets them all in on one night so that's why I mentioned about not letting some dictate and leaving others out.

To make it crystal clear and to give you an example:
Tomorrow I am in a huge marquee for 200+ guests for a housing association's Christmas Party. There's no meal but a hot buffet and I am booked from 7.30pm - Midnight.
The theme is a festival theme (it just so happens that the lady that booked me was put my way as I did her boss' wedding in the summer which had the same theme).
There is a live band playing 2 x 45 minute sets and a circus performer doing 30 minutes. That means I have 2.5hrs to play and a list of requests from the company that could last me all night.
Will I be nipping home at any point? No
Will I be using any background music? No

Saturday is an engagement party so forget that but on Sunday I will be at the hotel residency for a Christmas Party Night. Earlier finish because it's a Sunday but the usual format of background music during the meal and then Disco.

I'll also add in (because I forgot) that tonight and the following 2 Thursday's are all Christmas Parties but they've been booked as 'Rewind' nights (70's & 80's).
Did the same last year and they worked well. The only thing I do any differently is the background music. I've compiled a pretty awesome set list that leaves out a whole load of classics for later.

Phew!

[ukpartydj]

If it's a standard sit down meal then party it's pretty much grabbing all my XMAS tracks from a playlist shoving them into preparation on Traktor rearranging as I see fit for the night (I will have already sorted them into a good flowing order) If there are lots of young people I'll tend to move all the newer tracks to the start so they definitely get played.

I don't trust that my system will behave unattended, a couple of years ago I left it alone for an hour whilst I went to get something to eat at a store opening event and I returned to SILENCE! No idea why the laptop just crashed :( I've since upgraded to a laptop which has not crashed yet (touch wood) but I still wouldn't like leaving it alone for long just incase.

I will try to mix in a few non-christmas tracks with the playlist during the meal to keep things interesting and look for interesting new remixes, covers etc to throw in.
For example this has been a staple in my XMAS playlist for younger guests:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tiw3ueH3EI

[Excalibur]

I'm informed that I won't be in the largest room but that it will still be quite a large function room at Ponds Forge (for anyone who knows Sheffield)
I know certain parts of Sheffield well. ( Mainly around the Kelham Island Tavern area, strangely enough. :whistle: )

Parking can indeed be an issue in some areas, and I don't expect Ponds Forge to be especially easy. Please let us know which venue you're at, and how good or bad it is. I dimly remember not quoting for a gig round there due to parking and access issues. Hope yours is a doddle.



and will have a circus theme with jugglers, acrobats and clowns etc. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not!

But of course! (http://www.festivaloffun.com/Funny_Clown_Costume_-_One_Size_Fits_Most/p1996353_12053741.aspx) :D:D

[Casual77]

Parking can indeed be an issue in some areas, and I don't expect Ponds Forge to be especially easy. Please let us know which venue you're at, and how good or bad it is.


I'm actually going to be in Ponds Forge in the Skyline Suite which looks ok with a 120 person cabaret capacity. I was worried that I was going to be in the International Hall Suite which has a 650 person cabaret capacity. Strangely enough my parents are going there tonight for the Sheffield Business awards so I've asked them to check out the room for me.

I'm told that I can get a free pass for the car-park but that access to the building from the car-park isn't great. Apparently most visiting DJs risk a ticket by pulling on the pavement in front because its easier to unload from there. I'll give you a full run-down when I visit you at your Fish Dam Lane gig.

[mattydj50]

I'm actually going to be in Ponds Forge in the Skyline Suite which looks ok with a 120 person cabaret capacity. I was worried that I was going to be in the International Hall Suite which has a 650 person cabaret capacity. Strangely enough my parents are going there tonight for the Sheffield Business awards so I've asked them to check out the room for me.

I'm told that I can get a free pass for the car-park but that access to the building from the car-park isn't great. Apparently most visiting DJs risk a ticket by pulling on the pavement in front because its easier to unload from there. I'll give you a full run-down when I visit you at your Fish Dam Lane gig.

New Year's Eve will be a bit easier to load in and out :)

[Reel Feeva]

Just come across this thread and going back to the OP's initial point.

I have been doing Christmas Parties through an agent for the last 6 or 7 years in a few hotels. These hotels all sell their party nights to the public and want to fill the room with as many people as possible and give them a good night, for as little expense possible.

Generally during dinner, I play a selection of Christmas music and am never far away so in the event something does go wrong, I can easily be contacted and rectify the issue. I generally make the effort with my clothing as well and dress formally. While the staff are putting down dessert, or in the process of dessert being eaten, I will change the music to "sing a long" tracks and up the volume a little. I tend to pick Three Little Birds, Deliliah, etc. That way I can gauge how much of the "party spirit" has been consumed. I did my first one last Saturday and as soon as I hit Three Little Birds, the place burst into song, and some even got on the dance floor. After the plates have been cleared, I will introduce the tables and have a bit of banter with them depending on how they cheer. The hotel staff generally will provide a list for you. I introduce myself, ask for requests and crack on with a great opener and see how it goes from there.

Best of luck.

As said before, look at it as being an entertainer. Its the same routine each night, the same tunes almost, but it is what the client wants to hear and dance to.

[Nakatomi]

The hotel staff generally will provide a list for you.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

And on my planet... Sorry ... in my part of the world.... Nope. I WISH!

[ukpartydj]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

And on my planet... Sorry ... in my part of the world.... Nope. I WISH!

Yer pretty much the same here! I'm normally quite lucky if I get told much more than what time to arrive and what type of party it is.

[Nakatomi]

Yer pretty much the same here! I'm normally quite lucky if I get told much more than what time to arrive and what type of party it is.

Oh I've no doubt my place isn't the only one where the staff & hired help are the last to know anything. Talking to a manager about taking over from a DJ who's in another venue's bad books at the moment. If the money's right I'll take his hand off.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Guys, surely all you have to do on the night before you start is ask them who is in attendance? I generally know in advance but then again as I said, I have a very good working relationship with the DM and all of the staff at my main residency. I pop in the office every now and then and have a chat with them if I am in town and sometimes it isn't work related. I pop out for a beer after functions with some of them too and it bodes well for a good team effort during the evening and it works well.

As Reel Feeva mentioned (which I totally forgot about), when I do get into the room towards the end of the meal I will up the volume too and sometimes ditch the playlist in favour of some sing along tracks. One of the problems however is that this particular room I am in can be crammed with people. 120 is probably the maximum.
As I said, we all know the score and it works well every time but a couple of years ago on a Sunday a company decided to take their own DJ in with them and it apparently ended up being a nightmare. I was told that the DJ (nothing to do with me) was receiving requests during the meal and various guests were quite pushy and insistent.
He went against the DM's advice and started playing requests which got people on the dance floor in the middle of the meal as the staff were still bringing out the main meals and it was mayhem.

Knowing how tight it can be for space in there I can only cringe at the thought of it. The DM wasn't happy and neither were the staff and the DJ has been told that he isn't welcome back.

You've got to use your loaf haven't you!

[Corabar Steve]

First one tonight & I'm dreading it. Thankfully we haven't got too many this year & some weddings to intersperse with them.

I can't get excited about Christmas these days & am once again working Christmas Day, it's a good earner & more or less a walk in, so why not‽

[ukpartydj]

Guys, surely all you have to do on the night before you start is ask them who is in attendance?

No offence intended towards my client I'm referring to as he's quite good for work all year around (and may someday read this)! I had to ask a couple of times over the course of this week if it was the same timings as last year normally I only found out yesterday what time I was to arrive today.

Last year I worked with another client who was worse and actually gave incorrect details which over the period of a few bookings ultimately led to a dispute and now no longer working with them.

It sounds like you've got a very good relationship with your client which is always helpful!

[Excalibur]

I can't get excited about Christmas these days

And you will doubtless have something like this as headgear then? :whistle: Really, Steve, at times you're no fun at all. :p

[Nakatomi]

Guys, surely all you have to do on the night before you start is ask them who is in attendance? I generally know in advance but then again as I said, I have a very good working relationship with the DM and all of the staff at my main residency. I pop in the office every now and then and have a chat with them if I am in town and sometimes it isn't work related. I pop out for a beer after functions with some of them too and it bodes well for a good team effort during the evening and it works well.

As Reel Feeva mentioned (which I totally forgot about), when I do get into the room towards the end of the meal I will up the volume too and sometimes ditch the playlist in favour of some sing along tracks. One of the problems however is that this particular room I am in can be crammed with people. 120 is probably the maximum.
As I said, we all know the score and it works well every time but a couple of years ago on a Sunday a company decided to take their own DJ in with them and it apparently ended up being a nightmare. I was told that the DJ (nothing to do with me) was receiving requests during the meal and various guests were quite pushy and insistent.
He went against the DM's advice and started playing requests which got people on the dance floor in the middle of the meal as the staff were still bringing out the main meals and it was mayhem.

Knowing how tight it can be for space in there I can only cringe at the thought of it. The DM wasn't happy and neither were the staff and the DJ has been told that he isn't welcome back.

You've got to use your loaf haven't you!

At my place you can be best mates with whoever you like. They have to look in the big book, and believe me you don't want to be going in there if you don't have some time on your hands.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

It sounds like you've got a very good relationship with your client which is always helpful!

It hasn't always been like that elsewhere I can tell you that.
Luckily with this venue it is part of a group of 3 hotels and the staff tend to stay there.

As you know from personal experience if my memory is correct, one of the big chain venues is 2 minutes away from my house. I was there for around 5 years and the staff turnaround including the management and assistant management was stupidly regular. I had the same kind of communication problems with that lot for starters which didn't help but hey, I was "just the DJ" eh!
When that venue started trying to get me to do exactly the same as what I had been doing for half the price then I decided to take the gamble and walk away from them.

I am lucky that I get on so well with my lot.

[Nakatomi]

It hasn't always been like that elsewhere I can tell you that.
Luckily with this venue it is part of a group of 3 hotels and the staff tend to stay there.

As you know from personal experience if my memory is correct, one of the big chain venues is 2 minutes away from my house. I was there for around 5 years and the staff turnaround including the management and assistant management was stupidly regular. I had the same kind of communication problems with that lot for starters which didn't help but hey, I was "just the DJ" eh!
When that venue started trying to get me to do exactly the same as what I had been doing for half the price then I decided to take the gamble and walk away from them.

I am lucky that I get on so well with my lot.

You're very fortunate. Some places have their heads screwed on properly.. and one day I'll find such a venue. If I'm lucky :)

[Corabar Steve]

And you will doubtless have something like this as headgear then?
Yep, for at least 8 or 9 years.

[Excalibur]

Yep, for at least 8 or 9 years.

I suggest you start drinking this (https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/christmas/christmas-drinks/beers-ales/product-detail/ps/p/wychwood-bah-humbug-ale/) then. Save enough bottle tops, and you can have one of these (http://www.wychwood.co.uk/shop/products/view/51/bah-humbug-t-shirt/)

[musicology]

I love Wytchwood beers and I have 3 t-shirts including that one!

[Corabar Steve]

I suggest you start drinking this (https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/christmas/christmas-drinks/beers-ales/product-detail/ps/p/wychwood-bah-humbug-ale/) then. Save enough bottle tops, and you can have one of these (http://www.wychwood.co.uk/shop/products/view/51/bah-humbug-t-shirt/)

I always do (although never from there). I'm not one for brand name clothing though.