If you’re looking to swap the same-old office knees-up for something a little more memorable this year, Friern Manor might just be your Christmas party saviour. Set in the Essex countryside, this elegant Georgian country house has been hosting celebrations since the late 1980s, so it’s fair to say they know how to throw a festive bash with style. The setting feels special from the get-go – grand but welcoming, impressive but not intimidating – and the team’s warmth and experience means all you really need to do is round up your favourite people and prepare to enjoy yourself.
With Friern Manor’s popular party nights, you’ll be stepping into a festive fantasyland where the rules of Christmas are rewritten – and the stress of last-minute planning is left well behind. Provisional bookings are open now, meaning you can smugly avoid the mid-December scramble and actually look forward to the season for once.
When it comes to the menus for your Christmas party, you can expect a complete traditional feast. Start with a selection of hors d'oeuvres, followed by a mix of starters for each of your guests. Expect the likes of fresh prawns served on a bed of mixed salad, roasted tomato and basil soup, and artisan bread with unsalted butter. As for the mains, your group will be served roasted turkey with all the trimmings, think pigs in blankets, homemade stuffing, roast potatoes, honey roasted parsnips and brussel sprouts, all smothered in a rich turkey jus. End the celebration with a rather indulgent chocolate brownie served with Madagascan vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate sauce.
The best part about Christmas parties at Friern Manor is that the menus can be tailored to cater for a whole host of dietary requirements. Be sure to speak to the team to organise vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten free and halal options, to ensure every one of your party enjoys a delightful Christmas feast.