Lisa Gulbin’s Post

December is nearly here and for those of us in hospitality, it means one thing: Christmas parties are here! Whether it’s an office workforce getting together for a well-earned celebration or friends meeting up for drinks, December brings a wave of customers looking for memorable experiences. But let’s be honest, do customers expect more from us during this time of year? In short, yes – but I also think they deserve. Here’s why: Christmas isn’t just another meal or drinks out. It's an occasion. Guests come with high hopes for celebration, fun, and a little bit of magic. They expect not just great service but an experience that feels a little extra. The Details Matter – From thoughtful festive décor to special menus and that warm, welcome from the team, the small things go a long way. A perfect Christmas party is about more than the food and drinks – it’s about the memories we help create. Pressure to Impress – For many, a Christmas party is a highlight of their year, especially after months of hard work. It’s a time to let loose, and they expect us to help them celebrate without a hitch. How can we rise to the challenge? ✅ Be Prepared – Busy periods require impeccable organisation. Double-check bookings, ensure everyone knows the schedule, and anticipate busy moments so no one feels stretched. ✅ Inject Some Festive Cheer – Enthusiasm is contagious. A smile, a bit of banter, and a team that’s truly embracing the season can make all the difference. ✅ Stay on Top of Service – Guests might expect more during Christmas, but that doesn’t mean we should overcomplicate things. Focus on the basics: attentive service, great food and drink, and attention to detail. ✅ Go the Extra Mile – Whether it’s helping with a surprise for a colleague or customising a guest’s experience, small gestures can leave a lasting impression. Christmas in hospitality can be exhausting, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to shine. Let’s make this festive season one to remember – not just for our guests, but for our teams too. What's your approach to delivering amazing service during the Christmas rush? #Hospitality #CustomerService #ChristmasParties #FestiveSeason #ExceedExpectations #Teamwork #GuestExperience

With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Sunday this year, it’s the perfect excuse to hurry and wrap up all of this week’s tasks early today, commit yourself to the extended weekend … and dive deep into your studies of occasion-based marketing, of course. The National Retail Federation says 62% of American consumers plan on celebrating this particular holiday; if NRF’s counting is correct, that translates to 162 million Americans, or 20 times the population of Ireland! Those consumers will individually spend an average of $44.40 — up from $40.19 five years ago — which works out to $7.2 billion in total. (The top spending category is food and beverage, so save a well-deserved sláinte to “food” for pulling its weight here.) From a marketing standpoint, adding some thoughtful green to a campaign’s color scheme isn’t just about convenience. As Promo.com points out, occasion-based marketing uses a couple “compelling marketing tactics” in creating urgency and FOMO, even raising awareness when a conversation is more significant. “Occasion-based marketing allows you to meet your audience’s expectations, connect through emotions, show personality, and humanize your brand, all in a way that builds relationships and loyalty,” Promo’s Daisy Rogozinsky writes. And holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day are just the most obvious examples of occasions worthy of directing your marketing attention. As Breaktime Media’s Chris O’Grady recently wrote for MediaPost, micro-occasions also “have the potential to make a huge impact for brands and advertisers.” And when that occasion-based shopping impact comes in the form of a 33% higher purchase value than everyday shopping, that’s significant. “For micro-occasions, you need to think smaller,” O’Grady writes. “They aren’t always holidays or recognized events, but the small, yet significant moments throughout our daily lives like a morning cup of coffee, a workout routine, or an afternoon snack. Brands can strategically tap into these moments to connect with customers in a personal way and make their brand a part of these meaningful experiences.” Happy St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday, happy Pi Day today, and happy micro-occasion for all those other special marketable moments you can find. #occasions #specialoccasions #specialoccasion #occasionbasedmarketing #holidaymarketing #microoccasions #stpatricksday #stpatricks #piday #fomo #publishing #publishingindustry #digitalpublishing #mediapublishing #digitalmarketing #digitalmediamanager #digitalmediamanagement #MarketingManager #MagazineManager (Photo Source: NRF)

🎄Did you know? Santa is 1,753 years old!🎄 📣 Announcing the season hospitality hates to love. We plan for a year, and it’s over in a flash! I bet you’ve been busy selling, but how much thought have your Ops leaders put into party night service? Are your leaders setup for success? Are your Team Members going to be ready? I’ve worked in hospitality since I was 15, and have served or managed WELL over 100 Christmas parties 🎉. Then add the weddings and events. 💪🏼 I know what the a great party/event looks like in a hotel. 💪🏼 I know how to run a strong team briefing. 💪🏼 I know how to get a F&B operation organised. 💪🏼 I know how to get an event space setup EFFICIENTLY so you can get 100s of guests in and out without a hitch. Introducing 🥁 Leading The Ultimate Party Night 🤩 A highly engaging, convenient, virtual workshop for your HODs, Assistant HODs, and Supervisors! This is all about setting your team up to shine (and drive revenue 💷!) during the busiest time of the year! Here’s an outline of the topics we’ll cover: 👏 Crafting engaging, inspiring briefings 📋 Anticipating and mitigating common challenges 💷 Upselling stategies for maximum impact 💨 Delivering fast, efficient service with Christmas spirit 🧘 Handling difficult guests with professionalism 🥳 Recognition and rewards: Keeping morale high during the festive season ❤️ Supporting team member wellbeing throughout the festive rush 🪄 Essential ops top tips for Christmas party nights If you're looking to ensure your team is ready to deliver The Ultimate Festive experience, this workshop is for you. 🫵 Tune in tomorrow for dates and details! #ChristmasPartyNights #Hospitality #FoodAndBeverage #GuestService #Banqueting #Christmas

Here’s some info on the new workshop!! Check it out!

The holiday season is upon us, and as we start putting up decorations and dusting off the lights, it’s the perfect time to plan your holiday activity list! One essential for every festive gathering? The perfect holiday mocktail to elevate the cheer and keep the fun flowing. To help inspire your holiday hosting, we took a quick poll around the office to find out our team's favorite holiday drinks. Here’s what they shared: ✨ Hilary: The lively and sparkling Virgin Champagne Punch ✨ Heather: The refreshing and stylish Cranberry Basil Sangria ✨ Amanda: The cozy and aromatic Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine ✨ Renee: The rich and traditional Eggnog ✨ Jodi: The comforting and spiced Chai Latte ✨ Ashley: The fun and sweet Christmas Morning Punch These are some of the drinks that bring warmth, joy, and a bit of sparkle to our holiday celebrations. We love the unique flavors and festive touch each one brings 🎉. Now we want to hear from you! What’s your favorite holiday drink that brings the season to life? Whether it’s a family tradition, a recipe you discovered, or a simple go-to for entertaining, share your favorites in the comments below! 👇 #HolidayCheers #FestiveMocktails #TeamFavorites #TeamCulture #ChristmasMocktail #ChristmasSeason #CelebrationTime #YourPartnerInPlanning #StrategicSiteSelection

🎄 Secure Your Unforgettable Christmas Party Today! The festive season is fast approaching, and it's the perfect time to plan your memorable Christmas party. Hosting a great event isn't just about celebration; it's an opportunity for team bonding, showing appreciation, and spreading joy. ✨ Choosing the right venue can set the tone for the entire evening. Whether it's a cosy rustic pub or a chic urban restaurant, the atmosphere will transform your gathering. Remember to consider dietary preferences to ensure everyone feels included. 🍽️ Entertainment is key. Whether it's a live band or a quirky photo booth, create moments your team will cherish. 🎶 Take the time to personalise small details like décor and gifts, as these touches make your event distinctive. Don't leave it too late. Venues and services book out quickly during the festive rush. Secure the best options now to avoid disappointment. 🎁 What are some memorable Christmas party experiences you've had? Share your tips in the comments!

🎄The Christmas party countdown is on🎄 I’ve been there… Juggling an ice machine that seems to produce 1kg ice per day (😱), folding 100’s of napkins, polishing 1000’s of forks a week, a team that consists of casuals or agency team members who feel like they lay tables slower than a 🐌 , driving average spend up via that extra shot, beer, or bottle of wine (whilst of course making sure we don’t break The Licencing Act!), keeping the energy up, AND making sure every guest leaves with a smile… 😮💨 Christmas party season in hospitality is intense, but with the right prep, it can be a huge success. And a LOT of fun too! I’m excited to share more details about my upcoming workshop, Leading The Ultimate Party Night, designed specifically for your HODs, Assistant HODs, and Supervisors. This is all about setting your team up to shine during the busiest time of the year! Here’s an outline of the topics we’ll cover: 🪄 Essential ops top tips for Christmas party nights 📋 Anticipating and mitigating common challenges 👏 Crafting engaging, inspiring briefings 💨 Delivering fast, efficient service with Christmas spirit 🧘♀️Handling difficult guests with professionalism 💷 Upselling stategies for maximum impact 🥳 Recognition and rewards: Keeping morale high during the festive season ❤️🩹 Supporting team member wellbeing throughout the festive rush If you're looking to ensure your team is ready to deliver The Ultimate Festive experience, this workshop is for you. 🫵 Available throughout November, it’s the perfect way to prepare your team to handle the holiday hustle like the pros they are! More details coming soon! Stay tuned! 👀 #ChristmasPartyNights #HospitalityLeadership #FoodAndBeverage #GuestExperience #TeamTraining #HospitalityExcellence

As the year winds down, we’re approaching one of the most vibrant times filled with joy, celebrations, and opportunities to connect—Diwali, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and more. It’s a season that brings a spark of excitement and anticipation not just to our personal lives but also to our workplaces. For businesses, these months aren’t just about festive decor and holiday parties; they’re a golden opportunity to show appreciation for your greatest asset—your employees. Whether it’s through thoughtful gestures, festive gifts, personalized notes, or even small acts of kindness, making your employees feel special during this time can have a profound impact on morale and motivation. Still thinking? Let Merch Matters put together a hamper as assuring as a handshake from you! #FestiveSeason #FestiveGifting #EmployeeAppreciation #CorporateMerchandise

🎁 Our Gift to You: Efficiency and Visibility for Your Holiday Party! 📋 Real-Time Updated Guest List Planning a festive party can be complicated—but not with Enjoee! Need to know how many guests will attend or what their preferences are? With our real-time updated guest list feature, you'll have all the information at your fingertips, stress-free. 🕒 View attendance confirmations and guest preferences in real time to make the best choices for the venue, menu, or schedule. No surprises, no worries! ✨ Effortless Festive Invitations Imagine sending personalized, festive digital invitations in record time! 🎅 With Enjoee, you have access to elegant, themed designs perfect for Christmas or New Year's parties. Simply choose the right style, add the details, and send the invitations with a single click. Invite your colleagues, friends, or business partners to celebrate with you—without the hassle. 👉 Visit www.enjoee.it now and schedule a demo to discover all the features that will turn your planning into a simple and enjoyable experience. Christmas and New Year celebrations start with great plans—start with Enjoee! 🎉

Alright folks, gather 'round! Let's dive into the magical world of Christmas markets 🎄. These festive hubs have enchanted us for centuries, with roots dating back to 14th century Germany, originally called "Wintermarkts" or "December markets." Today, Christmas markets are synonymous with holiday cheer, delicious treats, and unique handmade gifts. Picture this: rows of wooden stalls glowing with twinkling lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, and Santa Claus himself making an appearance 🧑🎄🎁. These markets aren't just about shopping; they're about community and celebration. Whether you're hunting for the perfect gift or just enjoying the festive atmosphere, there's something truly enchanting about these age-old festivities. So, who's ready to dive into some holiday spirit at a Christmas market near you? 🎅✨ #ChristmasMarketMagic #FestiveTraditions #HolidayCheer