5 Alternative ideas for your year-end function

The traditional year-end office party is, for many reasons, a thing of the past. Embrace the fact that afternoons are the new ‘nights’ and outdoor venues are where it’s at. Organise something for your staff this year that will keep them smiling until 2023. Here are a handful of ideas to do it responsibly and in style.?

Golf day

No, you don’t need to be able to drive like The Big Easy to enjoy a golf day. Golf can be a humbling game even for the greats, but that’s not what it’s about. Think fresh air, open spaces, natural social distancing and a whole lot of laughs. It’s an ‘outing’ of sorts and a way for colleagues from various departments to connect on a ‘level’ playing field. It also lends itself to great outdoor bar setups at various strategic holes. The Salute Team is highly experienced in when it comes to impactful activations and consumer experiences and can provide full support when it comes to making golf days, special days.

Cocktail demonstration?

Everyone loves a good cocktail! Or mocktail, if that is your fancy. But few have the inkling (or knowledge) to mix them up at home. Crafting your own gin is cool and has become a trend of late, but learning some basic (and not-so-basic) cocktail skills from a professional is next level, especially when you can enjoy the fruits of your labour afterwards...?Why not share your team’s success for the year learning to make your very own cocktails with Salute? Salute’s training academy equips bar staff with internationally recognised skills and then assists in placing them in the finest establishments. We offer a range of training programs for bar-specific staff, from entry-level courses to advanced specifics as well as barista courses.

Whisky Tasting?

You may have been taught that different parts of the tongue detect different tastes, but some recent studies have shown this could be untrue. Scientists now believe that the thousands of taste buds on your tongue send signals to the brain, which in turn interprets them into the flavours we taste. So, to radically paraphrase the science: It is your brain, not our tongue, that makes sense of what you are drinking. Why is this important? Anyone conducting a whisky tasting can tell you their thoughts so that you have a guide, but interpretations will naturally vary from person to person. Whether you’ve never tasted whisky before, or can tell a Speyside single malt from an Islay and know exactly why some whiskies are spelled with an ‘ey’ and not a single ‘y’ a whisky-tasting is an enriching and engaging experience. Salute works with some of the finest whisky suppliers in the land and our bartenders are highly skilled in conducting a great experience.?

Summer yacht party?

If your company is based on the coast then this is a showstopper. Few things say ‘Summer’ like a yacht party experience - it’s got that real end-of-year feel to it. We suggest starting around midday to make the most of the sunshine hours, then into the evening appreciating the sunset sipping on cocktails or the trendiest new hard seltzer, Skinny. Salute’s highly trained bartenders are the best in the business and can produce delicious, dizzyingly beautiful cocktails anywhere - even on a yacht.

Masquerade ball?

Sure, masks are potentially the last thing people want to think about right now, but this is a great spin on the classic ‘fancy dress’ party. Instead of having to dress up all fancy, people can dress up, just as much or as little, as they wish and simply don a mask. Covid protocol box, ticked.?Throw in some good food, music and a bespoke designer Victoria bar with its tasteful lace finishes from Salute, add a few signature cocktails with fresh twists on old classics and a menu tailored for the event for a night to remember. Salute is a one-stop event-support platform offering event planners, agencies, brands and companies comprehensive support, from consultation through to infrastructure supply, staffing and execution, get in touch today and let us help you take your idea of a year-end function to the next level.