Q You have to spend a fortune for a top-notch Christmas party, don't you?

A Absolutely not! Especially as the Government has agreed to double the amount a company can now spend on its staff tax-free. As long as budgets and requirements are discussed and agreed beforehand you can create a party to remember. Don't try to achieve anything above your budget as it will come across as tacky!

Q What's the most spectacular event you've organised?

A One of my favourite events was last year's Film and Television Awards. We arranged the ceremony at The Empire cinema in London's Leicester Square, and the party afterwards at Mezzos for one thousand people. It was full of film stars and celebrities, of course, so security was a big issue. It was hard work, but great. We involved local schools playing on stage and singing, and the atmosphere was really special.

Q What is the most unusual venue or trickiest venue you've used?

A I think the trickiest locations or venues are also the most spectacular! We have worked in Petra, Jordan. It is the most amazing location in the world ,with cities hidden between mountains and carved into rocks. Different working cultures and logistics in desert locations can become a little difficult but the outcome is amazing!

Q What really gives a party pizzazz?

A Stage one of the party pizzazz is to get the food and drink right - that's vital. Then, when that's covered you move to stage two, which is "The Entrance". I always attempt to give all my events a massive "reveal", the moment when you throw open the doors and let everyone see your set design at the same time. You need the right music, the right lights, at the right moment to get that gasp of "Wow!".

Q What's "in" at the moment?

A My favourite theme for Christmas, which also seems to be very popular with our clients is "Cirque du Noel". It's something I put together last year and which I've just enhanced for this year. It encompasses "Cirque du Soleil" richness and "White Christmas" simplicity. The most popular and oldest theme must be James Bond but we are still constantly being asked to come up with enhancements on this such as satellite links, Aston Martins in reception, and heat sensitive invites!

Q What can PAs do to help themselves?

A My top tips for people arranging their own events would be, number one, read the contract, don't just sign it! And in particular, make the sure the space you have seen on the site inspection is the same as the space that's on the contract. Also, clarify everything in writing - don't leave anything to chance. The buck stops with the Venue Manager, so make sure you have all their contact details. Don't be scared to call them any time - remember, you are the customer.

Q What's your worst moment to date?

A I worked on an outside event for 400 people around a lake - everything went well until 30 minutes before the event, when one of the generators stopped working! It took 30 minutes to fix - luckily when we hire anything technical we make sure a technician stays with us throughout. He managed to repair it, but only just in time! That was a close call!

Q How can you build in contingency plans?

A This is difficult without paying cancellation fees, etc. My tips for contingency plans are:

• Make sure it's all in the contract
• Make sure you have at least three recommendations for caterers, etc
• Establish what their contingency plan is if things go wrong
• What insurance does the caterer or venue, etc, have if they double-book you, etc
• When working with caterers I would recommend using an event management company, or appoint someone as a Project Manager, to work with them and have regular meetings.

Q What's your absolute "no-no"?

A Never leave things to the last minute. And never organise an event without "walking through" the whole schedule, at the venue, with all concerned

Q What's the one thing most people forget?

A Biggest things people forget when booking their own events are refreshments and food for staff and entertainers, a Green Room for entertainers, taxis, and staff to help during the set up - i.e. hands!

Q When your stress levels hit the highest level, how do you keep your cool?

A Take five minutes out and go for a walk!

Q What's the quirkiest party request you've had?

A I hope no under 18's are reading this but I did have a request from a law firm once for a rubber ball!

Q Where do your ideas come from?

A Divine intervention mostly - although my whole team are young, creative and zany! We sit down and discuss the client's need and then work to create a bespoke party theme for them! Usually the simplest theme is the best!