As the end of the year approaches one of your main tasks may well be to pull together another fantastic, memorable and thoroughly enjoyable Christmas party - just like last year, only different! But have you considered delegating some, or all, or that burden to an external team of experts?

There are two kinds of Christmas party: one where your group shares the venue with groups from other organisations, and one where the venue is dedicated to your use for the duration of your party. Outside agencies offer everything from a full bespoke solution where they do all the organisation, to an information service with minimum involvement where they recommend venues and/or events around the country.

There is a HUGE choice of possibilities for Christmas. You could go for a traditional Christmas meal such as the Scottish Baronial Christmas (www.arenaevents.com), or a modern funky celebration like Fire & Ice (www.the-ultimate.co.uk) or might prefer something with a theme such as Arabian Nights or Rudolph's Ransom (both through www.partyparties.co.uk). There's even something for those who can't decide between venues: an organised night club crawl on board the Christmas Party Bus (www.partyparties.co.uk).

If you're planning your own event, rather than joining in with something already organised, then an event manager can help with everything from creating a theme, through organising the drinks, to making sure there are enough toilets. Martin Chick, a Partner in Pro Motions Event Management (www.promotions.co.uk) comments: "By using a professional event management company you can be assured that they check all of the above and much more. They will offer sound advice on what works and what doesn't. They're independent, they'll know what venues and celebrities are available and at what cost. If checking the bar charges means counting all the empty bottles at 3.00 am, well, that's why you employ them!"

Many firms prefer to organise their Christmas party on site and again events managers can help. Zilla Houghton of Fortesqueues (www.fqevents.com) says: "For some clients a theme is very important. We can use a room on site as a blank canvas and transform it into whatever theme they've chosen. We can also advise on possible restrictions to organising something in house and source other venues if necessary." Penguins Events can also transform your venue either with one of their existing themes or by developing a new one.

You may choose to do most of the organisation yourself but need help with particular aspects of it. The Blistering Group www.theblisteringgroup.co.uk are caterers who can tailor a menu to your particular function. During the summer the firm specialises in barbecues, but in winter they bring their culinary skills indoors and offer to create a menu to fit your budget. If you already have the food sorted, Amazing Party Themes (www.amazingpartythemes.com) can help create the right look. With hundreds of props available for hire, including snowscene backdrops, a real sleigh, fireplaces, chimneys and a huge alpine view an ordinary room becomes a winter wonderland.

Christmas parties are a good opportunity to get to know colleagues from different departments, but many people are reluctant to mingle. Bluehat UK (www.bluehatuk.com) sees Christmas parties as an opportunity to make the most of getting together. Tim Shepley explains: "Our speciality is in team building so we're very conscious of the need to orchestrate events. Perhaps the subtlest form of this is employing professional dancers to encourage everyone to get up and join in." One of Bluehat UK's fun events is "Thyme Management" (groan!) a Christmas party with a difference. Colleagues spend the afternoon supervised by a professional chef and cook the Christmas dinner they will all eat in the evening. If you want to see your MD in a pinny, then this is the one for you.

Money is always a thorny question, but events managers tailor the party to what you can afford. Justine Chilton, Director at Ideas www.ideasevents.co.uk says: "Price is dependent on our client's budget and the choice of themes, menus, drinks, venues, etc. is unlimited. We can also cater for any number and have organised parties for groups of 20 to 2,000." Many events management agencies negotiate special rates for clients booking through them. The client is happy because they get a discount on price per head; the venue is happy because they have guaranteed custom; the agency is happy because they get the business. Everyone benefits.

Headaches might occur the morning after the Christmas party, but shouldn't do before it. Events managers ensure that everything runs smoothly and that all you have to do is turn up and have fun. As Martin Chick of Pro Motions (www.promotions.co.uk) says: "It's live, there's no second chance to get it right and if employees, guests or worse still customers experience something bad, that memory will linger for a long time." To avoid problems, party organisers work so that you don't have to.